AGIMO seeks whole-of-government ISP panel

The Federal Government has issued a request for tender seeking internet-based network connection service (IBNCS) providers to join a new, whole-of-government panel.

Tender documents published by the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) this week called for telecommunication carriers, systems integrators and service providers.

Contracts would span three years, with the option of two further 12-month extensions.

The tender followed Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner's October 2009 commitment to establish whole-of-government technology procurement arrangements.

According to tender documents, the IBNCS panel would be accessed by the Department of Finance on behalf of all Government-controlled organisations.

It encompassed four separately purchasable service types: network carriage services; virtual connection management services; IP carriage services; and major internet connection services.

These were expected to involve IP, a packet-switched public data network, and an Australian point-of-presence.

A departmental spokesman did not disclose how many panellists were sought, citing Commonwealth recommendations that the number not be determined until the evaluation process was completed.

"The composition of the IBNC Panel will be determined by Finance through the evaluation process," she told iTnews.

Earlier this month, AGIMO released a separate request for tender seeking managed services providers for a whole-of-Government Telecommunications Lifecycle Management Services panel.