National ICT contracting framework
For many years AIIA members have expressed frustration with the fragmentation of ICT contracts across the Australian government sector. Companies that conduct business in all jurisdictions can expect at least nine different ICT contracts, often with many variations. Clearly this is both costly and time-consuming.
Over the past two years, AIIA has worked intensively with the Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) and representatives from their participating jurisdictions to bring a greater level of consistency to ICT contracting.
The National ICT Contractual Framework Steering Committee is now seeking comments from government and industry stakeholders on the framework. This page sets out relevant objectives, documents and contacts.
Objectives
The aim of the framework is to bring a greater level of consistency to standard contractual issues across participating jurisdictions. It is not a single national ICT contract, but rather a staged approach towards national consistency that can accommodate varying jurisdictional procurement policies and strategies and the need for flexibility in negotiations at a transactional level.
The Ministerial Council’s directions were to draft an initial framework that identified top-level headings, the order of headings and agreed terminology for core items. The APCC and participating jurisdictions are currently seeking comments on this framework; it will be refined according to the feedback received.
A governance process has been put in place to facilitate the maintenance and future development of the framework. Future stages of the project may explore further national alignment, subject to ongoing commitment and support from both industry and governments.
Scope and timeframe
The framework is designed to accommodate the full range of ICT goods and services. Over time it is expected that it will be incrementally implemented by all participating jurisdictions, and that all new standard contracts will be aligned with the framework.
It is not intended to replace contracts already in place with suppliers.
Perceived benefits:
Greater cross jurisdictional sharing will help reduce the significant costs of developing model contracts.
Cross jurisdictional information exchange on key ICT contract issues has the potential to improve contracting processes and outcomes.
Improved participation from the ICT industry will lead to better contractual outcomes and Australian industry development.
Reduction of the complexities of doing business with the Australian governments will encourage greater participation and investment from international suppliers.
Issues for consideration
Do you support the development of a framework to bring a greater level of consistency to existing government ICT contracting mechanisms?
Do you have any particular comments or concerns regarding the draft framework? These may be addressed at any level of the project - for example the concept, clause headings and ordering, detailed wording, or practical implementation of the framework.
If the framework receives widespread support, it may be further developed. What would you like to see achieved in future stages of development?
Further information
For further information, please contactBridget Larsen, AIIA General Manager - Policy and Government Relations, on (02) 6281 9444.
Members may also wish to consider discussing operation of the framework in their jurisdiction with a government steering committee member in their state:
National: Jane Montgomery-Hribar, APCC
Federal Government: Trevor Edwards, AGIMO
New South Wales: Larry Noble, NSW Department of Commerce
Victoria: Phillip Vlahogiannis, Department of Treasury and Finance
Queensland: Katharine Ghidella, Queensland Purchasing
South Australia: Andrew Mills, Future ICT Service Arrangements
Western Australia: John Crowe, Office of Government Procurement
ACT, Tas and NT: TBA.