NSW introduces simplified Core& ICT contracts

The NSW Government's ProcurePoint procurement portal has updated its whole-of-government Core& ICT contract templates as part of ongoing efforts to simplify the contracting framework.

The state government is replacing the current Core& agreement (low risk) with the newly released Core& Contract templates.

Core& contract agreements were introduced in 2018 for low-risk ICT goods and services purchases worth $500,000 or less.

The name Core& reflects the fact that they are built around core terms — the NSW Government's name for its minimum legal terms.

The framework consists of two templates, Core& One — the original template for use by agencies procuring an individual ICT solution — and the new Core& Combined, a consolidated contract template for agencies procuring two or more ICT solutions.

Core& One also includes a set of four separate solution requirement templates that can be selected as needed, while Core& Combined includes both a list of combined common terms and combined solution requirements that have now been consolidated into a single document.

To support the introduction of the updated framework, ProcurePoint has published a new set of contracts guidelines on its website and plans to hold two briefing sessions for suppliers and agencies next month.

These guidelines state that Core& contracts are not suitable for procuring ICT solutions that are critical inputs to higher-risk projects, could critically affect an agency's service delivery and involve personal information being stored or transferred offshore.

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