THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Monday, 18 January 2010
001/2010
DEFENCE PARTNERING WITH ICT INDUSTRY
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM
MP, today announced that Defence is inviting the information and communication
technologies (ICT) industry to assist in providing future Defence central ICT
services and terrestrial communication services.
This follows an approach to industry in November 2009 when Defence invited
information responses for the provision of certain distributed communications
services to gauge the level of interest should Defence offer a firm business
opportunity.
Dr Kelly said that procurement activity for these services is now underway
through the release of a request for tender. Through a separate but parallel
tender process Defence is also aiming to contract certain network equipment
maintenance services for terrestrial communications. The contract for terrestrial
communication services expires in June 2010 and the contract for Defence
central ICT services expires in November 2010.
Dr Kelly said industry has a significant role to play in enhancing Defence ICT
services while at the same time reducing complexity and lowering costs. These
are key aspects of the Defence Strategic Reform Program and the Defence ICT
Strategy.
“I encourage the ICT industry to actively participate in these Defence initiatives,”
Dr Kelly said.
“Although Defence aims to consolidate certain ICT services, and therefore fewer
suppliers will be selected, those chosen as key strategic partners will have
increased responsibility and opportunity to contribute to Defence’s business
outcome.”
The two invitations to industry have been published through the Government’s
purchasing channel (AusTender) via its website, www.tenders.gov.au.
Tenders will be evaluated against a set of published criteria that will emphasise
the responsiveness, flexibility and transparency that is needed to support ICT
operations and a significant Defence reform agenda.
Defence maintains secure networks supporting some 100,000 users in Australia
and overseas.
Media contacts:
Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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