CSC wins $112 million immigration and electoral contract

Stan Beer
Monday, 03 July 2006 19:05

IT Industry - Deals

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has won the right to extend its existing contract with the Federal Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) in a new agreement valued at $112 million.

Under the DIMA extension, which is for two years with an option for an additional two years, CSC will continue to provide mainframe and mid-range services in support of the Department’s core Border Critical Infrastructure (BCI), as well as related project work.  The BCI uses information and management systems designed to protect Australia’s borders and national security.

Under the AEC extension, which is for one year with an option for another year, CSC will continue providing mainframe services. 

“We are delighted to extend our long-term relationships with these agencies,” said Mike Shove, managing director of CSC’s Australian operations.  “Together they further demonstrate CSC’s ability to deliver significant results.”

“The extension reflects well on CSC’s performance and the Department looks forward to continuing to work in close partnership with CSC,” said Bob Correll, DIMA Deputy Secretary and Chief Information Officer.

CSC’s original contracts with DIMA and the AEC were part of the Federal Government's controversial Cluster 3 outsourcing contract, which was signed in 1998. At the time, the whole of government outsourcing policy was under fire from the local SME ICT sector because it was seen to put too much power in the hands of multinationals to the detriment of local compnaies. In 2002, under the terms of that contract, DIMA exercised its option to extend for four years.  The latest extension specifically for Border Critical Infrastructure Services falls within the original Cluster 3 tender.