NSW Govt reviews ICT contract arrangements

The NSW Government is set to introduce a two-tier ICT contracting scheme aimed at making it easier for vendors to do business with the state government.

As of March 1, NSW agencies will be able to buy ICT services from prequalified suppliers on two new panels: one for "low-risk" contracts worth less than $150,000, and the other for higher-value deals.

NSW Minister for Finance and Services Greg Pearce said the contract reforms would expand opportunities for small and medium enterprises and for regional vendors.

“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.

The contract reforms are part of the larger Government ICT Strategy 2012. The strategy, launched last May, lays out 17 key initiatives to improve service centricity, openness, information sharing, skills, procurement and infrastructure by the end of 2014.

The NSW Government has invited prospective ICT services suppliers to register online to be included on the new supplier lists.