NSW reforms ICT services contracts

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blog Looks like the New South Wales Government is making good on its promises to reform the way the state purchases technology services, as part of its overall IT strategy. This week we received the following media release from Minister for Finance and Services Greg Pearce:

Minister for Finance and Services Greg Pearce today announced the overhaul of the NSW Government’s primary ICT services contract process to make it easier, simpler and more attractive to do business with the government.

Mr Pearce said ICT is critical to the way government delivers services to the community and reforming this scheme will allow businesses and citizens to be a part of that process.

“This reform follows extensive consultation between government and industry to make the most of procurement opportunities and features a simple online application process to replace previous costly panel contracting arrangements,” Mr Pearce said.

“These important reforms will introduce a two‑tier supplier listing that more realistically reflects the risk profile of the required goods and services, with a new short-form contract for low risk goods and services valued at under $150,000,” he said. “It also expands opportunities for small and medium enterprises and for regional vendors from 1 March 2013.

“The NSW Government ICT Strategy 2012 provides a comprehensive approach to identifying, sourcing and procuring ICT goods and services using new, innovative and effective approaches. We are keen to fill the void left by Labor by taking advantage of the ICT sector’s expertise that will enable us to improve service delivery for citizens and ensure we meet public expectations.

“These new arrangements will ensure NSW government agencies can find and procure the services that best meet their needs, and cut red tape for business. Businesses will be invited to apply online for one or both of the scheme’s supplier lists, based on the price and risk profile of the required services,” Mr Pearce said.

Developments for the new arrangements will be published on the ProcurePoint website.

Image credit: Shho, royalty free