GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING AND PURCHASING

1. Victorian whole-of-government contracts GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING AND PURCHASING March 2007 The Contract The whole-of-government (WofG) Telecommunications Carriage Services (TCS) contracts have been developed in consultation with all Victoria Government inner budget departments, including Victoria Police, and is managed by the Department of Treasury & Finance (DTF). Telecommunications Carriage Services (TCS) Government Approved Telecommunications Suppliers (GATS) • Types of Services Covered by the TCS Contracts • The TCS contracts cover the following telecommunications carriage services: • Voice • Mobile, and • Data. • These contracts replace the following existing Government telecommunications contracts: • The VicOne Agreement for data carriage services, and • The Telephony Purchasing Strategy (TPS) panel for voice and mobile services. • GATS and their Services • This table provides a summary of services the GATS are contracted to provide. • Key Benefits • Infrastructure outcomes in excess of $50M. • Benchmarked as among the lowest Government package in Australia for equivalent services. • Strong commercial outcome for Government in terms of contractual framework and benchmarking. • Improved service levels for service delivery and reporting. • Multiple supplier outcome that enables sustainable GATS and ongoing competitiveness. • Aggregated telecommunications expenditure to leverage strategic outcomes within a competitive purchasing framework. • Simplified procurement and management of aggregated telecommunications demand for all Government Bodies. • Optimum value achieved from existing Government expenditure. Access by Other Public Sector Agencies Other public sector agencies such as hospitals and statutory authorities may use the services provided under these contracts in accordance with the Government’s policy to extend the benefits negotiated under WofG contracts across the Victorian Government. Who are the Suppliers Five suppliers have been contracted to provide the voice, mobile and data carriage services to the Victorian Government under the banner of TCS. The TCS Government Approved Telecommunications Suppliers (GATS) were selected after an extensive tender evaluation and negotiation process, paying particular regard to value for money, service quality, service availability and interoperability. Business has been progressively put to these GATS via a Request for Quote process. The first tranche of business was awarded in September 04 and the second tranche in April 05. Supplier Contact Details

2. Tranches1 and 2 Before commencing the tender process departments/agencies were given the opportunity to estimate their demand and sign a Memorandum of Understanding or Letter of Intent. These departments/ agencies will be transitioned to the new services initially and are referred to as being in Tranches 1 and 2. Tranche 1 was awarded in September 04 and Tranche 2 in April 2005. Tranche 1 TCS Suppliers Tranche 2 TCS Suppliers What if I’m not in Tranche 1 or 2 Opportunities exist for Government Bodies to participate in Tranche 2. Please contact the Client Services Team, to discuss your organisation’s telecommunications requirements and how you can access the TCS services. Can I approach a GATS directly? No, the successful GATS have been allocated business (departments and agencies) against a Tranche structure. If departments and agencies wish to access the contract they must express interest to the Client Services Team. • How do I use the contracts? • Full details of the ordering and contract process can be obtained from the VGPB website, or by contacting the Client Services Team. • What you need to know about the TCS Contract • TCS has been delivered through the Victorian Government’s Telecommunications Purchasing and Management Strategy (TPAMS). • TPAMS provides a strategic framework for meeting the Government communications needs, improving the competitive environment for the procurement of telecommunications services and allowing for access to improved technology as it develops. • Can we further negotiate rates? • No, the pricing negotiated under the contract represents the most favourable pricing available to Government departments and agencies, with all consequent savings passed directly to the purchaser in increased purchasing power. • How can I access the contract information? • All contract information is posted on the VGPB website at www.vgpb.vic.gov.au including • Contact details for the Contract • Manager and department • representatives, • Contact details and profiles of • the TCS GATS, and • Contract pricing and service • specifications. • Information can also be obtained by contacting the Client Services Team. • Quality of Service • In the selection of the Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 suppliers a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria was applied -focusing on capacity to supply, quality of service, coverage of service, conditions of contract and service rates. This has resulted in highly competitive rates, and improved contract terms and service levels. • How long is the contract period? • The initial contract period expires on: • Data - 30 September 2010 • Voice - 30 September 2008 • Mobile - 30 September 2008 • and can be extended up to a period of a full 5 years. • Are value added services available? • Yes, for a complete list of value-added services refer to the website www.vgpb.vic.gov.au. • How will I be kept up to date with relevant information? • An extensive communication strategy has been developed, which includes information updates throughout the duration of the contract. Information will be posted on the VGPB website. • Contact Details • Further information about the contracts can be obtained by contacting: • Jacques.robb@dtf.vic.gov.au