THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Friday, 13 November 2009
075/2009
DEFENCE TO TEST MARKET FOR ICT SERVICES
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 help implement its distributed
computing and terrestrial communications ICT services needs.
Defence’s suppliers will have a significant role to play in improving Defence
ICT services and reducing complexity and lowering costs, which are key
aspects of the Strategic Reform Program.
“Within a few years, Defence aims to have fewer suppliers of ICT services.
However, those suppliers who are selected as key strategic partners will have
increased responsibility and the opportunity to contribute directly to Defence’s
business outcomes. I encourage the ICT industry to actively participate in
these Defence initiatives,” Dr Kelly said.
“Defence aims to replace a number of distributed computing and terrestrial
communications contracts that expire between November 2010 and July
2011.
“As a result, Defence is inviting tenders from industry, covering the services
provided by the current contracts together with other related services.
“While periodic testing of the market is routine, on this occasion Defence aims
to take a major step towards achieving its longer-term strategic ICT sourcing
objectives; including further rationalising suppliers and lower costs,” Dr Kelly
said.
The invitation to industry will be published through the Government’s
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 expects to enter into new contracts in mid-2010.
Defence maintains secure networks supporting some 100,000 users in
Australia and overseas.
The Defence ICT strategy is available at:
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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