Government to simplify ICT procurement

The Federal Government will half its Information & Communications Technology (ICT) panels as part of a plan to simplify procurement and improve access to Australian Government agencies for suppliers.

According to special minister of state, Gary Gray, half of more than 120 IT service panels currently operating across the government will be cut during the next three years.

“This policy will reduce the administrative overheads incurred by agencies in establishing their own panels and also for the IT industry in tendering for inclusion in the current large number of panels,” Gray said.

Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) first assistant secretary, John Sheridan, wrote in a blog post that the changes — the product of consultation across industry and agencies — would provide the flexibility agencies require as well as deliver operational efficiencies.

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