IBM's whole-of-government deal revised

IBM will continue to supply products and services to government agencies under a new iteration of an agreement first reached in 2018. The five-year, $725 million contract offers greater flexibility for agencies to transfer assets and enables reuse opportunities across government, while streamlining procurement through a reduction in the time, effort and resources required.

The arrangement was negotiated and signed jointly by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), Australian Taxation Office, Department of Defence, Department of Home Affairs and Services Australia, with the DTA coordinating.

“This arrangement is the right fit for the current context and requirements for its participating agencies. It offers important continuity for the business systems that support critical government services which Australians rely on,” said DTA CEO Chris Fechner.

“Through the Commonwealth negotiating as one entity, the contract will continue to give government agencies better value for money and more flexibility when sourcing commonly used IBM products and services with a focus on essential government requirements.”

The arrangement delivers key investment for government, including training and certifications to uplift digital capability across government. The DTA and IBM are also discussing opportunities to explore emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

“Under this arrangement, IBM Australia will continue supporting the Australian Government in their work to drive accelerated adoption of innovative technology to modernise government services,” said Nicholas Flood, Managing Director IBM Australia and Vice President IBM Technology.

“We will continue to work with government agencies to explore how emerging technologies could help transform service delivery to create a more secure, sustainable, innovative and skilled Australia.” 

The new arrangement with IBM Australia is a strong outcome for both the Commonwealth and a strategic partner that supports critical government services, including the response to the recent pandemic and disaster events.

IBM products and services that will be accessible through the new arrangement include its offerings for hardware, software, cloud services and professional services.

Further information is available at www.buyict.gov.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/Rana Hamid