This commitment is in line with our recent research to establish the Digital Marketplace Panel 2, as well as our ongoing efforts to provide panels and arrangements that meet the needs of the Australian economy.  

We will commission an independent strategic review into our whole-of-government arrangements. This review will provide advice and inform the government of the opportunities to strengthen and continually improve these arrangements, ensuring they deliver value to the Australian local economy. 

‘The work forms part of our efforts to ensure that our sourcing arrangements between buyers and sellers of digital products and services continue to support the government into the future’ said Nicole Bain, Branch Head, Whole of Government Contract Negotiations Branch. 

‘In the context of the significant shift we are witnessing in digital products and services, it is natural that we also evaluate the marketplaces, panels, and agreements that support the procurements that underpin the Government’s digital transformation investments.' 

The review will include all six arrangements managed by the DTA: SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon Web Services, and Rimini Street.  

Our whole-of-government arrangements were introduced in 2009 with the aim of providing significant benefits and savings to the Australian Public Service based on economies of scale and by establishing consistent contract terms and conditions. 

These arrangements have traditionally provided the government with volume sourcing benefits and discounts, streamlined contracting, and better terms for security and privacy. 

The review is in its early stages, with an approach to the market seeking an independent third party to assist in the review on 8 November 2024. Applications close 16 December 2024. 

The review aims to be completed by mid-2025 and will involve an independent industry partner to ensure strategic breadth and depth across the ICT ecosystem.  

The DTA will provide updates via our blogs as this project progresses.