
Unisys will also improve coordination and consistency of IT processes nationally, so that the 460 Defence locations will receive the same high quality level and speed of service.
Although the DoD plans to maintain control of its computer networks, Unisys will manage the day-to-day operations under strict policy and performance standards oversighted by the Department.
“The transition of Defence’s regional ICT operations to Unisys is expected to take about 18 months. Throughout this process, Defence will ensure that all personnel currently responsible for the functions transferring across to Unisys will have access to retraining, redeployment or redundancy entitlements,” said deputy secretary of defence support Martin Bowles.
Unisys Asia Pacific vice president global outsourcing and infrastructure services, Tony Henshaw, said Unisys was pleased to have been chosen for the project and looked forward to providing robust, flexible and highly secure IT services on a national scale.
The contract continues a string of recent Australian public sector wins for Unisys. In the last two years, Unisys has signed a contract with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for the delivery of selected IT services including a single dedicated service desk, secure gateway services, end to end user computing services and cross functional services. This follows an earlier contract to provide biometric solutions and services as part of the DIAC Enhanced Border Control Program.
The newly announced contract with the DoD will come with an option for two future contract extensions, each of two years duration.