Human Services seek secure e-mail provider

The Department of Human Services has issued a request for tender seeking an e-mail system to transmit its 'protected' data.

The system would be used by 2,000 end-users to transmit e-mail and attachments classified as 'protected' under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's (ASIO) T4 security guidelines.

It would replace an existing solution by Verizon, whose service provision contract with the DHS had expired.

Supporting agencies such as the Child Support Agency, Centrelink and Medicare Australia, the system was expected to incorporate software with a minimum of 98 percent availability and 24/7 support and maintenance.

Tender documents stated that the new system "must not significantly alter accepted end user e-mail operations", so that end users could use the system with no training.

Other requirements inbcluded virus detection and removal; intrusion detection and monitoring; compatibility with Government e-mail standards; and data integrity and security over public networks.

Applications close 5 May, and a provider would be selected on a value-for-money basis.