AWS scoops $39 million whole-of-govt procurement deal

Amazon Web Services has signed a whole-of-government deal to help simplify cloud procurement for federal, state and territory agencies.

The initial deal is worth $39 million over the next three years.

The arrangement also extends to public universities and any other government-owned agency.

According to AWS, the primary benefits come from cost-savings by leveraging demand across government agencies, and removing some of the barriers of adopting and expanding cloud use in the public sector.

AWS said the government will now have a consistent approach to accessing its services without having to negotiate separate contract terms each time by using a self-service, low-administration process. The public cloud giant said it’s also removed administrative overheads to smooth out the procurement process.

It also means all agencies will have the same terms, meaning each department will have access to the same benefits no matter their size.

In addition, the company will provide AWS Enterprise Support, AWS Professional Services and AWS Training.

CRN readers might be asking that all-important question: what’s in it for the channel?

AWS said its whole-of-government deal will make it easier for its partner network to offer consulting and technology services. There’s no word yet on how exactly AWS partners will transact with the government with the new deal in place.

Liam O’Duibhir, managing director of NSW AWS partner 2pi Software weighed in though, saying the initiative would help drive sustainable ICT jobs in regional areas.

“The streamlined procurement for government to build on AWS also makes it faster and easier for APN partners – the small and medium sized Australian businesses focused on offering technology solutions to agencies — to provide our software and consulting services to the Australian government.”

“2pi Software is now a supplier in the Australian government’s digital marketplace, and we are investing in both New South Wales and the Canberra region by hiring local talent.  We are also investing in skill and capability development to help local, state, and federal government to leverage AWS cloud services in building citizen solutions.”

AWS’s Asia-Pacific regional managing director, worldwide public sector Peter Moore was thrilled with the new arrangement.

"This paves the way for greater innovation by enabling agencies to build and deploy digital services to serve Australians more effectively, transform legacy operations, and accelerate scientific breakthroughs,” Moore said.

“By eliminating barriers that have traditionally bogged down government technology procurement, the whole-of-government agreement enables agencies to invest more time and resources on their core missions, rather than on negotiating contracts.”

AWS scored its biggest breakthrough in the government sector less than six months ago when it was approved to host highly sensitive ‘Protected’ level data in its Sydney region, joining just a handful of other local partners with the same distinction.