Defence to post major ICT tenders

The Department of Defence today invited the ICT industry to tender for a number of major defence contracts, some of which will run through July, 2011.

The tender will address improving ICT services, reducing costs and simplifying systems in accordance with the Defence Forces' 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," said Dr Mike Kelly, parliamentary secretary for Defence Support, in a statement.

The invitation covers a number of distributed computing and terrestrial communications contracts, including the $200 million central ICT infrastructure contract currently serviced by Fujitsu's Kaz Group. The government has already approached industry for feedback on how it might be able to source alternative services to those provided by its $200 million Kaz contract.

"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[ing] costs," Kelly said.

The invitation to tender will be published on AusTender and new contracts are expected to be signed starting in mid-2010.