The New South Wales Government has announced a new telecommunications scheme, covering the procurement of operation telecommunications equipment, infrastructure and services.

“The Government is transforming the NSW procurement landscape making it easier, simpler and more attractive to do business with the government,” State Finance Minister Greg Pearce said.

The new ITS 2573 Prequalification scheme aims to optimize State Contract ITS 2573 and open up more opportunities for suppliers.

Mr Pearce said that key benefits of the new ITS 2573 Scheme include:

  • Simplified access for NSW Government buyers and industry suppliers;
  • A performance evaluation protocol to identify suppliers;
  • An ability for the Scheme to evolve over time; and
  • Increased competitiveness to enable all agencies to get better value for money.

Mr Pearce said more than 80 metropolitan and regional suppliers are already registered and new suppliers will have the opportunity to be added to the scheme at regular intervals.

“The NSW Telco Authority has been working closely with emergency service organisations and other NSW Government agencies, as well as other jurisdictions, to drive the reform of government operational telecommunications services,” he said.