Wanted: Single IT service provider for DAFF

The DAFF will be issuing a Request for Tender (RFT) for the provision of managed desktop, desktop LAN, midrange, Storage Area Network and helpdesk services in early June 2008.

The Department's current IT contract is set to expire on 26 June 2009, with no further extension options.

DAFF has stated that it is looking for a single agency contract to look after the IT needs of its 5000 employees. According to DAFF, employees include policy officers, program administrators, scientists, economists, meat inspectors, veterinary officers and quarantine inspectors.

Data network and secure gateway provision are out of scope of the RFT, however the successful tender winner will be expected to work closely with the department’s other service providers. The DAFF has also included mobile computers in the current RFT.

The department is widely dispersed with a national presence at approximately 300 locations across Australia. The central office is located in two buildings in Canberra, which also houses the Department’s new data centre.

Until June 2000 the department delivered IT services in-house. It has subsequently outsourced IT services as part of the Group 8 cluster which included the Department of Environment and Water, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian and Torres Strait Islander Commission. Also included in this cluster were the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the the Australian Broadcast Authority.

The role of the DAFF is to ensure Australia’s agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.

Details can be found by contacing the Department.