The Australian government has approximately $10 billion in ICT assets and spends around $6 billion per annum on ICT procurement, maintenance, development and staff costs.
Almost all government purchases of ICT goods and services should be procured by way of competitive tendering. The central government (known as the Federal Government, the Commonwealth Govenment ("Cth") or the Australian Government) and each of Australia’s States and Territories have different procurement rules. Many departments within each State or Territory also have additional rules or policies. There is no common set of terms and conditions for ICT procurement, nor is there a common “panel” arrangement. Each of the Australian Government, States and Territories, and in some cases each Department (especially the Department of Defence) has its own ‘standard’ ICT contracts. Often ICT contracts are based on ‘boiler plate’ terms and conditions but are heavily modified for use in a particular transaction.
Most governments have strict rules preventing or restricting collusive tendering, obtaining improper assistance from government officials or in giving ‘gifts’ or entertainment to government officials.
Selling and contracting with government is a specialist skill and you should consider using specialist advisers to assist you in both selling and marketing to government, as well as responding to government tenders and contracting with government.
Pym’s Technology Lawyers has significant experience in assisting ICT companies responding to government tenders and contracting with government organisations.