Feds open cloud list to supplier bids

The Federal Government has invited cloud service providers to register for inclusion on its forthcoming Data Centre-as-a-Service (DCaaS) Multi Use List (MUL). 

Cloudy sky over Parliament House

The list is expected to lower hurdles for cloud providers seeking to bid for government work, although unlike whole-of-government panel arrangements, it is not compulsory for agencies to procure cloud services only from providers on the list.

Applicants for the list must provide two written referees' reports and pay a registration fee of $250 (GST inclusive) to Finance.

The opening of applications follows a lengthy period since DCaaS was first broached last year. 

The DCaaS MUL will be launched by the end of October 2012.

If it receives too many responses to process, a ”second tranche” of service providers will be considered for inclusion at a later date.

A first-come, first-processed approach will be used to assess prospective applicants.