07 February 2018
6 min read
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The QITC Framework
In August 2017, the Queensland State Government introduced the new Queensland Information Technology Contracting (QITC) framework for procurement of information and communications technology (ICT) products and services by Queensland Government.
In this QWIK QITC Series, we are providing general information in respect of how the framework operates.
In a previous edition of QWIK QITC Series, we took a more in-depth look at the new documents which comprise the QITC, and identified that the Comprehensive Contract has similar positions but more detailed clauses than the General Conditions. We also identified the new Modules which form part of the Comprehensive Contract.
In this edition of the QWIK QITC Series, we will consider the high-level differences between the QITC framework, and the previous model for ICT contracting in Queensland, the Government Information Technology Contracting (GITC) framework.
Background
In place since the early 1990s, the GITC framework was the previous standard form contract for procurement of ICT products and services by the Queensland Government. Following a review in 2015, it was determined that the GITC framework had not evolved to keep up with the needs of government or industry, particularly small-to-medium enterprises and start-ups, and thus an overhaul was needed. Prior to its replacement with the QITC framework, there were approximately five different versions of the GITC framework in use by the Queensland Government.
Accreditation no longer required
Suppliers of ICT goods and services previously had to be accredited under the QAssure scheme in order to contract with the Queensland Government under the GITC framework. Under the QAssure system, suppliers had to apply for a unique GITC number, and register as accredited for certain GITC Modules. This process cost suppliers both time and money.
Suppliers no longer have to be accredited in order to contract under the QITC framework. However, this does not mean that suppliers who are currently accredited under the GITC framework lose their accreditation – they are still listed on the QAssure database.
Key changes to contract documents
The QITC framework has greatly simplified the documents comprising the ICT contract compared to the GITC framework – see the first edition of the QWIK QITC Series for a summary of the new QITC documents.
The key changes to the documents are:
In the coming weeks we will look in-depth at the key provisions in the new QITC contracts.
Existing GITC contracts
Based upon available information from the Queensland Government, it is intended that existing contracts in place under the GITC framework, including standing offer arrangements, will continue using the GITC contract terms until the contract or standing offer arrangement comes to a close.
However, it is unclear what policies individual Government entities may adopt regarding the choice of using GITC or QITC when it comes to extensions of, variations to, or any addition of ancillary goods or services to, those existing GITC contracts. Depending upon the goods or services being procured, the risk profile for the Government party or the supplier may be different depending on whether GITC or QITC is used.
We will be considering the risk profile of key clauses under the new QITC terms and conditions in the coming weeks.
Takeaways
For government organisations
For suppliers
In the next edition
We will consider in more detail how ICT procurement details, requirements, and specifications are set out and incorporated into a QITC contract, and the key aspects to consider when including external documents in a QITC contract.
Authors: Trent Taylor and Barton Donaldson
Contacts:
Brisbane
Trent Taylor, Partner
T: +61 7 3135 0668
E: trent.taylor@holdingredlich.com
Paul Venus, Partner
T: +61 7 3135 0613
E: paul.venus@holdingredlich.com
Melbourne
Dan Pearce, Partner
T: +61 3 9321 9840
E: dan.pearce@holdingredlich.com
Sydney
Angela Flannery, Partner
T: +61 2 8083 0448
E: angela.flannery@holdingredlich.com
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this publication is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. We are not responsible for the information of any source to which a link is provided or reference is made and exclude all liability in connection with use of these sources.
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