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Government Moves to Actively Consider the Greater Use of Open Source Software

The Australian Government (Government) has revised the policy on open source software which aims to strengthen consideration of open source software by agencies when they go through ICT software procurements. The Government’s previous policy was that agencies take an unbiased position that did not favour open source or proprietary software and procured the solution that was the best ’value for money’ and ‘fit for purpose’ for their specific requirement.

Since that time there has been a significant increase in the maturity of the open source software products and the use of open source software by governments around the world. In recent years, many governments have revised their policies to increase the adoption of open source software.

This revised Government policy will ensure that international best practice is maintained and that software purchases will continue to reflect best value for money for the Government.

The revised policy commenced on 1 March 2011 for all ICT software procurements and is available in PDF on the Department of Finance and Deregulation website.

The three fundamental principles which must be adhered to in all software procurements are:

Principle 1

Australian Government ICT procurement processes must actively and fairly consider all types of available software.

Australian Government agencies must actively and fairly consider all types of available software (including but not limited to open source software and proprietary software) through their ICT procurement processes. For a covered procurement (over $80K), agencies are required to include in their procurement plan that open source software will be considered equally alongside proprietary software.

Principle 2

Suppliers must consider all types of available software when dealing with Australian Government agencies.

Australian Government agencies will require “suppliers” to consider all types of available software (including but not limited to open source software and proprietary software) when responding to agencies procurement requests. Agencies are required to insert this requirement into their tender documentation. Suppliers will need to provide justification outlining their consideration and/or exclusion of open source software in their response to the tender. Agencies will determine compliance with this requirement when assessing tender responses.

Principle 3

Australian Government agencies will actively participate in open source software communities and contribute back where appropriate.

The Australian Government, through AGIMO, will actively seek to keep up-to-date with international best practice in the open source software arena, through engaging with other countries and organisations. Australian Government agencies should also actively participate in open source software communities and contribute back where appropriate.

 

Contact: Graham Howard
Phone: 02 9587 0209