DFAT flags "multi-year investment" in its technology operations

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has signalled a “multi-year investment” in its technology operations is on the cards.

The federal department will engage consultants to undertake “a high-level review of current and future technology capability requirements”, with a view to building a business case for the planned investment.

DFAT said that review is expected to be delivered “within tight timeframes”, although an initial six-month period is attached to the engagement, with the prospect of an additional half-year extension.

In addition to documenting “current and future technical and operational business requirements”, DFAT is asking consultants for “financial modelling and estimate benefits of updated technology solutions.”

Despite the language used - which suggests a proposal for the large-scale investment already exists in some form - a DFAT spokesperson downplayed the program.

“DFAT is undertaking this market approach to assess technology and support ongoing modernisation of DFAT technology systems and business processes,” a spokesperson for the department said.

“The purpose is to ensure the department is well positioned to meet future business, security and service delivery needs.”

iTnews could not verify the budget status of the planned investment - questions on this were not answered.

However, DFAT did not receive any notable allocation for a technology improvement program in the recent federal budget. 

The next opportunity for federal funding is the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEFO), which is typically delivered in December.