How we can help you win NSW Government ICT contracts

Consulting to government has never been more fraught. With a range of scandals and breaches of confidential information, IT Consulting firms need someone experienced in their corner if they are going to win work.

The ICT Services Scheme panel is the key to getting NSW Government work as an IT Consulting firm. This panel acts as a whole-of-government arrangement that provides agencies with a simple and quick way to purchase high quality ICT services from a panel of prequalified suppliers.

The ICT Services Scheme panel covers 18 categories of ICT services, such as architecture and design, data centre, security management, software, and cloud services. The panel has two supplier categories: registered and advanced. Registered suppliers can enter into low-risk contracts valued up to $150,000 (excluding GST), while advanced suppliers can enter into high-risk contracts valued over $150,000 (excluding GST).

The panel is managed by Digital.NSW, a division of the Department of Customer Service. The panel aligns with the NSW Government Beyond Digital Strategy, which aims to transform the way government delivers services to citizens and businesses.

To apply to join the panel, you need to follow these steps:

•  Become a NSW Government registered supplier by creating an account on the NSW Government eTendering website.
•  Complete the online application form for the ICT Services Scheme on the eTendering website or the buy.nsw website. You will need to provide information about your business, your areas of expertise, your insurance and financial details, and your compliance with the scheme rules.
•  Submit your application and wait for the assessment outcome. You will receive an email notification once your application is approved or rejected. The      assessment process may take up to 4 weeks.
•  If your application is approved, you will be added to the list of prequalified suppliers on the ICT Services Scheme and you can start receiving opportunities from NSW Government buyers. You will also need to maintain your supplier profile and keep your information up to date.

You can find more information about the ICT Services Scheme, including the scheme rules, categories, and benefits, on the info.buy.nsw website. You can also contact Digital.NSW for more assistance by emailing ictservices@customerservice.nsw.gov.auor calling 1800 679 289.

Once you are on the panel, you can start receiving opportunities from NSW Government buyers who are looking for ICT goods and services in your category. You may be invited to respond to a request for quote (RFQ), a request for proposal (RFP), or a request for tender (RFT).

You will need to follow the instructions and requirements of each opportunity and submit your response by the deadline. You will also need to comply with the relevant contract for the ICT Services government panel, which depends on the value and risk of the procurement.

NSW Government agencies must use the ICT Purchasing Framework to buy ICT goods and services from the panel. The framework comprises:

•  the Core& contracting framework for ICT procurements that are low risk and valued up to $1 million (excluding GST). This framework uses a standard contract template with minimal variations. There are two versions of the contract depending on how many solutions are procured.
•  MICTA/ICTA contracting framework for ICT procurements that are high risk or valued over $1 million (excluding GST). This framework uses a modular contract template with more flexibility and options.

To determine the right contracting framework, you can use the risk assessment tool provided by Digital.NSW. You can also find more information about the ICT Purchasing Framework, including the contract templates, policies and guidelines, on the info.buy.nsw website.

Working with NSW Government can be rewarding and challenging at the same time. Under the newly-elected Labor Party, there has been a marked reduction in the usage of contractors, and thus it is more important then ever for contractors to prove their usefulness. To succeed as an IT consulting firm working with NSW Government, you need to:

•  Understand the needs and expectations of your government clients and deliver high quality outcomes that meet their objectives and budget.
•  Communicate effectively and regularly with your government clients and stakeholders and keep them informed of your progress and issues.
•  Follow the rules and guidelines of the ICT procurement process and comply with your contractual obligations and responsibilities.
•  Demonstrate value for money and innovation in your solutions and services.
•  Build trust and reputation with your government clients and seek feedback and testimonials for your work wherever possible.

At Papillon Lawyers, we have extensive experience in helping IT consulting firms win NSW Government contracts. We can help you with:

•  Reviewing and drafting tender documents
•  Negotiating contract terms and conditions
•  Advising on legal risks and compliance issues
•  Resolving disputes and complaints
•  Protecting your intellectual property rights

We understand the NSW Government ICT procurement process and the legal requirements that apply to it. We can help you navigate the complex and competitive tender environment and achieve the best possible outcome for your business.

If you are interested in working with us, please check the contact us page today to book in a free consultation or reach out to us at matthew.hodgkinson@papillonlawyers.com or on 0431098543.