Welcome to the Commonwealth Government Information Technology and Communications (GITC) contractual framework home page. The GITC is a framework of standard legal documentation that has been developed in cooperation with industry representatives and government.
GITC is designed to assist government buyers and industry suppliers to develop contracts for the supply of information and communications technology (ICT) products and services in the most efficient and effective manner.
Latest version of GITC (version 4.1)
In light of the cessation of the Endorsed Supplier Arrangement (ESA) and the GITC4 head agreement, policy changes concerning capping of supplier liability and ownership of intellectual property and other ICT procurement developments, GITC4 has undergone a minor update to ensure continued and effective operation for Australian Government agencies and the ICT industry.
This update is designed to address impacts of policy and program changes into account and offer consistency with SourceIT model contracts where possible. Over time, it is possible that GITC4.1 will be replaced by 'SourceIT' branded ICT contract solutions - in the form of model contracts, clauses or other support mechanisms/tools.
The previous version (GITCv4) is available at the Archives page of this site. For more information please contact the SourceIT helpline (02) 6215 1597.
National ICT Contractual Framework
The Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) presented the first phase of the National Information and Communications Technology Contractual Framework (NICTCF) for endorsement by the Australian Procurement and Construction Ministerial Council (APCMC) at its 14 September 2007 meeting.
The first phase of the NICTCF has resulted in agreement on consistent clause headings, sequencing and agreed terminology in procurement contracts. It helps bring consistency to standard contractual issues and their location in a contract without impacting on jurisdictional procurement strategies or specific clause drafting.
Discussion on the second phase of work for the framework is underway within the cross-jurisdictional working group and the Department of Finance and Deregulation is considering the most effective and efficient alignment strategy for SourceIT model contracts and other ICT procurement projects.
A PDF copy of the Framework is located on the APCC website.
AGIMO also has a limited supply of hard copies of the Framework Charter. Please email ictprocurement@finance.gov.au for requests.
Endorsed Supplier Arrangements (ESA) cessation
On 29 November 2006, the then Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, announced that the ESA would cease immediately.
The establishment of a new ICT Multi Use List was also announced. This online resource will provide an efficient and effective mechanism for suppliers of ICT products and services to interact with government agencies. Use of the ICT Multi Use List when procuring ICT products and services is not mandatory, but may assist agencies to locate suitable suppliers for ICT procurements. The ICT MUL allows agencies to conduct select tender procurements. Details of the ICT Multi Use List are available through the website at https://www.tenders.gov.au/ictmul.
Work is underway to identify the impacts on GITC4 arising from the cessation of ESA. In the interim, it will be important to review any terms and conditions relating to the ESA head agreement that may continue to be a requirement for any particular ICT procurement. In this review, account will also be taken of relevant policy changes, including those related to capping supplier liability and intellectual property (referred to below).
Capping supplier liability
On 15 August 2006, the Department of Finance and Deregulation issued Finance circular 2006/3 Limited Liability in Information and Communications Technology Contracts. This circular articulates the Government’s policy on capping liability when agencies enter into ICT contracts.
On 16 August 2006, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts released the Guide to limiting supplier liability in ICT contracts with Australian Government agencies and associated quick reference publication. These documents were prepared after extensive public consultation, and within the context of the Australian Government procurement policy framework.
Intellectual property
On 11 May 2007 the then Attorney-General (the Hon Philip Ruddock MP) released the Statement of IP Principles, under which agencies would be encouraged to develop individual intellectual property (IP) management frameworks reflecting their own needs and objectives, consistent with other relevant Australian Government policies and requirements.
Update - SourceIT model contracts
The SourceIT model contracts provide templates for Australian Government agencies to develop sound commercial agreements efficiently and effectively. It is expected that this will encourage good business practice and minimise the risk of conflict and disagreements between agencies and suppliers.
The detailed legal terms suggested in the model contracts have been developed through extensive consultation with agencies and industry. The contracts are flexible enough to allow inclusion of project-specific details.
While the model contracts do not necessarily remove the need for professional legal advice altogether, they will simplify the preliminary stages of agreeing terms.
The initial suite of model contracts (version 2 released 28 May 2007) address:
For more information on the SourceIT model contracts, please go to SourceIT Model Contracts.
Background - 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
View a copy of the two-page explanation of the outcomes of the GITC review.
This website will provide relevant updates and information relating to the redevelopment of GITC arrangements.
For further information, please contact the Helpline