NEC and three partners win $35m NT govt contract

NEC will work with three system integrators on a $34.6 million contract with the Northern Territory government.

Under the $34.6 million deal NEC will provide 220 schools and Department of Education sites with communication and IT services.

NEC was the incumbent provider, but Wilma Weaver, the Department of Education account director at NEC, said the company beat out Kinetic IT for the tender.

"We've been the incumbent for six years and we've re-won the business for another five years," Weaver told CRN.

"We have a really good relationship with the Northern Territory government. We've integrated really well with their business and they've been happy with the services we provide."

Under the agreement NEC will provide a range of IT and communication support services to 55,000 end users. Vertical Technology Group, Leading Edge and NTT Group will work as IT subcontractors for NEC.

"They're all strong local companies who have years of knowledge and experience."

Weaver said VTG will help NEC service schools by flying to remote areas and offering technical support.

"We have a responsibility to visit remote schools twice a term and offer technical support. Computer technicians fly out to remote communities daily and spend a minimum of four hours on the ground at each school."

Weaver would not disclose the value of the subcontractor contracts.

She said NEC will revise its services in an effort to lower Department of Education costs.

"Costs have been reduced as we do have to find efficiencies with our services. Looking from a network management system we have some tools in place that will be upgraded in the first year which will make it more efficient."

NEC has 250 employees in the Northern Territory and 1500 employees across Australia.