Thriving Kids NSW tender:
Submitting an EOI

On 7 May 2026, the New South Wales Government announced a procurement process for providers to deliver Thriving Kids supports in the state. This will include a 2-step Expression of Interest (EOI) and upcoming Request for Tender (RFT) process.   

This procurement process is for organisations who wish to provide services in the NSW Thriving Kids program – the first state in Australia to do so. Information for other states/territories is not yet available.  

The NSW Government has not yet indicated what services will begin from 1 October. Autistic children and those with developmental delay, who are eligible for NDIS services, will continue to receive services under that scheme while Thriving Kids rolls out gradually by 1 January 2028. 

Where can I learn more? 

Find updated information from the NSW government at NSW Thriving Kids. 

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) will run an online briefing session on Wednesday 13 May 2026, 11.00am–12.00pm (AEST).  Register to attend here. 

The information session will be recorded and uploaded to the NSW Thriving Kids site. 

Can private providers submit an EOI? 

The DCJ seeks to contract not-for-profit organisations to deliver Thriving Kids services. 

In limited cases, the DCJ may use private providers for specialised services that not-for-profit organisations cannot provide. 

Private providers can submit an EOI. These responses may be considered in exceptional circumstances. 

We know private providers are an essential part of the Thriving Kids workforce. We are reaching out to the NSW Government to clarify how you will be included. 

Key dates  

  • EOI opening date: 7 May 2026  

  • EOI closing date: 29 May 2026 (3:00pm AEST)  

  • Estimated decision date: 25 June 2026  

  • RFT closing date: Not specified. By invitation.  

Process overview  

Find detailed information and express your interest here:  

To submit an EOI, you must register with both the buy.NSW Supplier Hub and DCJ’s Procurement Central portal under  PBD-2023-04. 

The procurement process will follow a staged approach:  

1. Expression of Interest (EOI)  

  • Express your interest in being a service provider through the Procurement Central system. 

  • Concisely describe your capability to deliver the Thriving Kids program  

  • The DCJ will choose organisations to go to the next step. 

2. Request for Tender (RFT)  

  • DCJ invites shortlisted providers to submit a request for tender  

The EOI is not a full tender, but it is essential to participate. Only shortlisted organisations will be invited to the next stage.  

What will be requested in the EOI?  

The EOI focuses on organisation-level capability. You will be asked to provide:  

Organisation details  

  • Business information and contact details  

  • Number of employees (FTE)  

  • Organisation type (e.g. Not-for-Profit, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation)   

Service capability  

You will need to specify:  

Which Thriving Kids service streams you can deliver:  

  • General supports: available to families who have concerns about their child’s development  

  • Targeted supports: for children who need extra support for a specific period of time.  

Services your organisation currently delivers in NSW. For example:  

  • Speech pathology  

  • Occupational therapy 

  • Physiotherapy  

  • Supported playgroups  

Experience  

Describe your experience delivering early childhood supports to:   

  • Children with low to moderate support needs  

  • Children with developmental delay and/or who are autistic 

  • Multiple locations and communities (e.g. regional, remote, metropolitan areas multicultural, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities)   

Service coverage and expansion  

  • Current geographic service areas (in-person and telehealth)  

  • Willingness and plan to expand into new areas  

  • Ability to scale services across NSW  

Partnerships and consortia  

You will be asked to:  

  • Describe your existing partnerships, OR  

  • Outline your willingness to form partnerships  

Many providers are expected to deliver through models like joint ventures, partnerships, consortium, or subcontracting arrangements with other service providers.  

Service model  

  • Description of your current or proposed service model  

  • How it aligns with Thriving Kids requirements  

  • How services will be adapted or scaled  

Consortia and partnership opportunities  

Thriving Kids emphasises collaborative service delivery. For many organisations –particularly smaller providers – this may mean partnering with:   

  • Other allied health providers
  • Community organisations 
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) 

Helpful resources for collaboration  

You can find information and resources at:  

SPA’s partners provide the following services and supports:  

  • Industry Legal Group provides legal advice and services relating to commercial contracts, supplier and service agreements, business structuring, partnership arrangements. 
  • RSM supports allied health practices with a range of services including strategic growth and practice structuring. SPA members have access to one free introductory session (practice review or personal wealth planning).  

Tips for a strong EOI submission

  • Provide concise descriptions (300 words max) 
  • Focus on organisational capability, not just clinical skill 
  • Demonstrate reach and scalability 
  • Highlight experience with priority communities 
  • Clearly describe partnerships (existing or planned) 
  • Align your model with early intervention and accessibility goals  

Get involved

Support our ongoing advocacy around Thriving Kids.