The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has announced that a new whole-of-Government contract has been entered into for IBM products and services.
DTA said the $1 billion agreement would make it easier for Departments and Agencies to do business with IBM, which will supply cloud services, IT systems maintenance, software solutions development and IT support.
“The new arrangement will give Government Agencies better value for money and more flexibility when sourcing commonly used IBM products and services,” DTA said.
“For Agencies already using IBM services, existing contracts will be moved under the new arrangement or included once they are established.”
It said all new contracts would be made under the whole-of-Government arrangement.
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Transformation, Michael Keenan hailed the agreement saying it was expected to deliver more than $100 million in savings and benefits for taxpayers over the next five years.
“The deal harnesses the bulk-buying power of the entire Government to secure the best possible prices for all Departments and Agencies, regardless of their size or how much they spend,” Mr Keenan said.
“Previously, Agencies have negotiated individually with major suppliers, which often resulted in different pricing structures across Government.”
He said that as well as discounted prices, the agreement contained other benefits such as access to software upgrades over the life of a contract and other innovations.
DTA has produced a guide for Agencies making use of the new contract and it can be accessed at this PS News link.
