‘Digital Transformation’ has become one of the new corporate buzz phrases, and government is not exempt. Although lagging behind private industry, government departments are undergoing a range of ‘digital transformations’ to ensure they are taking advantage of current technology and preparing for upcoming advances – when budgets allow!
More frequently, when it comes to ICT, departments are approaching the market with Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals or Expressions of Interest, as an alternative to a standard Request for Tender. This usually implies the end product or the solution is unknown to government, and they are seeking industry expertise in the form of proposals or information. This detail is then converted to a Request for Tender. Alternatively, government may have a solution, but are unsure if it is acheivable, and so seek Expressions of Interest in order to guage the market.
This week, several departments have issued approaches to market which would acheive an overall digital transformation. Most of these transformations will require new software, or an upgrade to storage or servers, or the establishment/improvement of disaster recovery procedures. The most important aspect in responding to these requests is enuring you understand and address the final desired outcome. What new capability is required? what is the overall goal to be acheived? Where is this technology being implemented? Who are the final users?
The oppportunties issued this week include:
– Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA): RFT to refresh server and storage infrastructure to ensure they are ready to adopt new digital technologies.
– Defence: RFP to support their Deployed Network Capability which will involve not only maintenance but upgrades and obsolescence management.
– Defence: a notice of upcoming RFI for a Health Knowledge Management Solution aimed at providing ready access to health information both in country and when deployed.
– Finance: RFP for a hosting service for government web content that includes both a Content Management System and Hosting Service.
Industry Briefings are being held for some of these opportunities, and would be highly recommended as they will assist in understanding the context of the overall project.
If you are after specific advice on this topic or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for weekly updates.
