Commencing in 2013, the Asset Standards Authority (ASA) launched the Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) program to support the engineering industry.
With the primary purpose of enhancing engineering governance, AEO is a widely accepted program intended to improve the delegation of responsibility in the private and public sector in delivering and maintaining NSW rail network assets with greater efficiency and safety.
AEOs can be implemented during various stages of the asset life cycle from concept and feasibility, through to design, testing, and construction. Regarding the potential to improve engineering assurance, achieving an AEO status should be considered by organisations that provide engineering services for the Transport for NSW (TfNSW). It positions organisations to strategically compete for work through the TfNSW procurement process.
*** Update 30/11/2021 ***
AEO or TAO?
On Tuesday 30th November 2021 the Transport for NSW Asset Management Branch announced some changes to the AEO authorisation program. The existing AEO program will transition to the now known Technically Assured Organisation (TAO) program between now and 30th March 2022.
There have been some changes to the application process and the application documents. Here at Compliance Council we are well and truly across these changes and will continue to remove all unnecessary stress and uncertainty and assist clients to achieve authorisation.
Our website will be updated to reflect these changes as they come to hand from the AMB. In the meantime, feel free to contact us for any assistance.
Compliance Council assisted UGL achieve AEO status in 2015 as part of their requirements when tendering for the New Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility. Compliance Council worked extensively with UGL management including assisting submissions to the ASA, record validation and subsequent accreditation to UGL as an AEO.
Compliance Council assisted WestonWilliamson+Partners complete the required Self-Assessment Checklist, Scope Assessment Form and Engineering Services matrix in preparation for a successful 2A submission.
WW+P are now an AEO.
Compliance Council assisted Willow complete the required Self-Assessment Checklist, Scope Assessment Form and Engineering Services matrix in preparation for a successful 2A submission, as well as develop further documentation in order to comply to ASA / AEO requirements.
Willow are now an AEO.
Compliance Council assisted Seymour Whyte with their entire AEO application, from initial gap analysis and completion of the Self Assessment Checklist, development of documentation to comply to AEO framework and through to successful award of AEO status by the ASA.
We are currently assisting a further 20+ clients currently with their 'Preliminary Review' and 'Assessment' to the ASA. Compliance Council is the only consulting firm in New South Wales with a track record of working with some of the largest organisations in the country to help achieve AEO status.
If you would like to have a discussion regarding the AEO process, time frames, budgets and resource expectations, please populate form at the bottom of the page and our General Manager will be in touch.
"Architectus engaged Compliance Council to assist with conducting a review of two active projects against the AEO criteria in preparation for a surveillance audit with the Asset Standards Authority. We found Compliance Council's assistance to be invaluable in this process and I would recommend them to organisations looking for assistance with AEO."
Diana Nankany – Group Compliance Manager, Architectus Australia
"Rhomberg Rail engaged the team at Compliance Council in 2018 to assist with our AEO endeavours. Compliance Council developed a specific set of management system documentation to be deployed on AEO projects whilst interfacing with our existing rail infrastructure documentation requirements. The team at Compliance Council also provided advice and guidance throughout the submission process.
Compliance Council have now become an integral partner of Rhomberg Rail, assisting us in more recent times with our Chain of Responsibility requirements.
We would recommend the services of Matt, Phil and the team at Compliance Council to any organisation seeking AEO or CoR compliance."
Scott Richardson – General Manager, Rail Operations, Rhomberg Rail Australia Pty Ltd
Organisations are required to be AEO accredited if they want to work for NSW Transport, Infrastructure and Rail Projects.
Compliance Council Pty Ltd have been at the forefront of consulting to the requirements of Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) process since 2014.
In this time, we have assisted over 25 organisations achieve AEO status, and in more recent times, we have onboarded a further 15 organisations who are commencing their AEO journey, with another 20 waiting for assessment from the ASA.
It’ll allow you to apply for tender for relevant NSW Transport infrastructure projects. And as with any good management system, if implemented and used effectively, it’ll help improve business efficiency and ultimately profitability.
The Authorised Engineering Organisation Framework is a hierarchical set of documented system components that provide TfNSW with a justified confidence in the capability of the supply chain to deliver safe and fit-for-purpose assets delivered by capable and competent organisations.
The Asset Standards Authority (ASA) is committed to an open, transparent and collaborative relationships with industry. The ASA provides collaborative, supportive frameworks within which Authorised Engineering Organisations (AEOs) can deliver safe, effective and efficient projects.
The initial activities to be ready for the 'Preliminary Review' takes 10-14 weeks (client preparedness plays a major role here). The actual accreditation process which is governed by ASA is 6-12 months.
Unlike many competitors who operate by a time and materials model, we operate by a fixed-fee model. We provide clients with proposals that outline the methodology for the project, the deliverables, and the total cost.
In addition, for AEO, unlike ISO certification, there is no ongoing cost from the governing body.
Have a question? Contact Compliance Council on 1800 771 275 or enquire online
I’ll be directing your enquiry to the right person and will ensure an immediate response.
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