DAFF to modernise ICT capabilities

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is set to refresh its ICT capabilities with the release today of the first request for tender (RFT) under its ICT Strategic Sourcing Program.

The department’s Chief Information Officer Mark Sawade said that the technology environment continues to evolve, and the department’s ICT sourcing model needs to adapt and become future-ready.

“It’s been over a decade since the department engaged with the technology market to understand current opportunities, contemporary capabilities and practices,” Mr Sawade said.

“The importance of our work across trade, policy, regulation and biosecurity means that our digital products, platforms and tools must not only be up to scratch but deliver lasting change.

“That demands integrated solutions that streamline imports and exports and underpin efficient policy, regulation and service delivery for our clients and the Australian public.

“Many of our major ICT service arrangements will expire over the coming 18 months, so it is timely for us to approach the market via the RFT process to understand what opportunities are available.

“This program will provide core ICT services to support the department’s digital delivery agenda and future requirements, as well as its strategic priorities and objectives in line with the Whole-of-government direction.

“It will modernise the department’s ICT sourcing portfolio by developing market-aligned, flexible and scalable bundles to meet evolving and changing needs.”

Over the coming 12 months, the department’s ICT Strategic Sourcing Program will approach the market for a total of six bundles of ICT services over three progressive tranches.

Today’s RFT release provides for Enterprise Service Management Services.

The department’s RFT is available on the AusTender website. Industry briefings will take place on 13 June 2023.