Contractual Framework and Templates
The Government Information Technology and Communications (GITC) contractual framework, initially established in 1991, is a set of terms and conditions that Australian Government agencies may use to create contracts for ICT procurement. The GITC was originally introduced to support ICT procurement processes at a time when knowledge and experience in ICT purchasing was at a developmental stage.
Since GITC4 [
] was released in 2001, there have been a number of legal and policy changes in the Commonwealth environment that have impacted on both GITC4 (latest version of GITC) and the procurement arrangements. In addition, there had been a number of developments in procurement arrangements in other jurisdictions.
On 30 November, 2005, the then Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon Eric Abetz, announced moves to make information and communications technology (ICT) contracting with Australian Government simpler and easier. The changes were designed to increase consistency in contractual arrangements, which should lead to a reduction in the cost of procurement for both agencies and suppliers.
GITC Review
The GITC4 framework was reviewed in the light of changes to the general procurement environment since its initial development. The review showed, among other things, that there was a strong interest in some form of model contracts for use with government ICT procurement.
The Government announced the following actions arising from the review
- First, a series of model contracts would be developed that were tailored to the different elements of ICT procurement, such as hardware, software development, software licensing or managed services. Specific needs in relation to open source software would be considered in this process.
- Second, the GITC web site would be redeveloped to improve its user-friendliness and to enhance support to users of the model contracts.
- Third, during the period of implementation of these outcomes, the GITC Helpline would be maintained to support those using the GITC.
Two-page explanation of the outcomes of the GITC review.
Accordingly, on 31 May 2006, the then Special Minister of State, the Hon Gary Nairn MP, released for comment draft model contracts designed to cater for simple ICT procurement. The model contracts were available through the SourceIT website, which also provided access to user notes for the model contracts and information relevant to SourceIT and ICT procurement generally.
On 28 May 2007, the second versions of SourceIT model contracts and user notes were released through the SourceIT website. These were developed in response to comments on the first versions of the SourceIT documents and policy developments concerning supplier liability, ownership of intellectual property and closure of Endorsed Supplier Arrangements.
Contact for information on this page: ICTprocurement@finance.gov.au