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Doing business with the Chief Information Officer Group

Introduction

Guidelines exist for the conduct of business with the Department of Defence. At the Departmental level, the Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) operates within the broad aegis of Defence Materiel Organisation Contracting Policies, and more specific Information Communication Technology focused contracting and procurement expertise and practices. These applications remain consistent with the overarching focus enunciated through the Defence Procurement Policy Manual (DPPM).

 

 

 

 


Defence Business Driving ICT in Defence

Recognising the requirement for a more strategic approach to our engagement with the ICT industry. CIOG has moved away from the ‘solution driven requirements’ approach to ‘requirements driving solutions’. The new model balances the risk sharing between CIOG and Industry in developing and delivering the capability. Under the model CIOG requires industry to provide comprehensive delivery and support capabilities. Industry will be engaged in:

  • systems design,
  • development,
  • integration, and
  • sustainment of new systems.

To facilitate a strategic relationship with industry, CIOG is moving away from the current practice of contracting providers to deliver discrete packages of work within a project or task. Instead, industry will be expected to provide complete packages of work which will mature the CIOG relationship with key industry partners.

To support this new approach, the CIOG will ensure greater transparency of the ICT investment and development priorities through the publication of the following:

  • Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) Plan,
  • Defence ICT Strategy,
  • Annual Procurement Plan, and
  • Defence Silver Book.

Note: The Silver Book and DII Plan are updated annually and will continue to mature as the CIOG implements its new industry engagement model.

CIOG commends these publications to Defence and industry. CIOG will assist industry to:

  • engage with Defence,
  • develop a more strategic perspective in its dealings, and
  • develop complementary capability and capacity.

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Engaging Industry to Deliver more Capacity

The CIOG elicits industry support on the basis that the capability requirement will dictate the solution. Effective industry engagement will reflect appropriate relationships within the context of public sector procurement practices.

The fundamental principle that continues to underpin procurement by the CIOG is the application of value for money; efficient, effective and ethical use of resources; and accountability and transparency. Our procurement processes will use predominately a combination of select and open source competition and direct source where appropriate.

The CIOG acknowledges that industry needs to know what opportunities might be forthcoming. The group will continue to utilise the AusTender website, the DII Plan, and other channels to ensure industry is informed of ICT initiatives and projects.

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Vendor / Industry Engagement Principles and Obligations

CIOG demands an ethical, transparent and accountable relationship with industry. The following forms the basis of an open and well managed relationship:

  • Probity and Ethics. Adopting an ethical, transparent approach enables business to be conducted fairly, reasonably and with integrity.
  • Equitable Access. The procurement process rules will be clear, open, easily understood and applied equitably.
  • Accountability Regime. The CIOG is required by law to operate within an accountability regime set by legislation and relevant Australian Government policy.
  • Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (DRSS). The DRSS allows an approved Australian company to use a distinctive logo identifying itself as a recognised supplier to Defence. This scheme can assist defence related industries, who are ready to export, to promote their products and services into global markets.
  • Unsolicited Proposals Gateway. In 2003, Defence established the Unsolicited Proposals Gateway which provides a single entry point for industry and individuals to submit their proposals. The Defence Material Organisation manages the Gateway. For more information visit: http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/id/ic/dupg.cfm

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The Procurement Framework

The Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) in its broader context and subsequent guidelines dictate CIOG ICT procurement practices and governance. The Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (CPGs) establish the core procurement policy framework and articulate the Government's expectations of all departments and agencies (agencies) subject to the FMA Act and their officials, when performing duties in relation to procurement.

The CPGs establish the procurement policy framework within which agencies determine their own specific procurement practices. The principles include:

  • Value for money;
  • Encouraging competition;
  • Efficient, effective and ethical use of resources; and
  • Accountability and transparency.

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Whole of Government ICT Procurement context

The FMA Act in its broader context and subsequent guidelines dictate CIOG ICT procurement practices and governance.

To ensure the CIOG takes account of higher level government policies and strategies impacting on the ICT environment we regularly engage with entities such as:

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Procurement and Contracting Process

CIOG delivers procurement and contracting results through a series of appropriate and ‘fit for purpose’ instruments. These include:

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Our Operating Model

The operating model for CIOG is a Plan, Build and Run model common to most ICT delivery organisations.

Our Operating Model

DEPSEC SCG - Deputy Secretary Strategy, Coordination & Governance; CCDE - Chief Capability Development Executive

Click the Operating model for larger view.

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Contact Us

Plan

Information Strategy and Futures Branch
(02) 6265 6360
Information Architecture and Management Branch
(02) 6265 5751
Information Policy and Plans Branch
(02) 6265 5256

Build

Network Infrastructure Development Branch
(02) 6265 8123
Enterprise System Development Branch
(02) 6127 4615
Application Development Branch
(02) 6266 3704

Run

Defence Network Support Agency
(02) 6127 8122

Contracting and Procurement

Contracting Policy & Support Services
(02) 6128 7299

 

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Security checking and accreditation

Security clearances are required for people employed to work on Defence establishments. A person, company or business can be assessed for Defence Security accreditation.

This involves background checking on people to ensure that Defence can engage suitable people at the appropriate level and assess their reliability and trustworthiness to handle Government and Defence Information.

Further information can be obtained from the Defence Signals Directorate, the Protective Security Manual (PSM) and the Australian Government Information and Communications Technology Security Manual

 

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Industry Resources

Defence looks to industry, as a capability partner, to provide and maintain a range of goods and services. Defence offers many business opportunities to Australian firms.

Please find some links below that will provide guidance in working with the Chief Information Officer Group.

 

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