The Australian Federal Government has awarded IBM a new A$1 billion five-year whole of government contract to be a major technology partner
Announced by The Hon. Michael Keenan MP, Minister for Human Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Transformation, the agreement is a cross-brand solutions partnership involving IBM hardware, software and cloud-based solutions, and includes joint innovation programs in quantum, cybersecurity, and research aimed at furthering the government’s digital transformation agenda.
IBM classed the agreement, led by the Digital Transformation Agency, as the highest value contract negotiated by the Australian Government. “It will deliver significant savings over the next five years and supports Australia’s goal to become one of the top-three digital governments in the world by 2025,” the firm added.
Under the partnership, all government agencies can access the financial benefits and technologies. For the major agencies that currently partner with IBM – Department of Human Services (DHS), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and the Department of Defence (DOD) – the agreement improves the current arrangements, offering them the autonomy and flexibility to change the profile of their technology over the next five years.
“The Whole of Government agreement reflects the growing importance of technology to the government’s transformation agenda,” said IBM ANZ MD David La Rose. “For agencies it will be more simple and cost efficient to engage with IBM. While our technologies make it possible for government to delivery smarter, integrated, always-on digital services for citizens.”