Fujitsu scores $151m Defence support deal

James Riley
Thursday, 15 July 2010 21:35

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Technology services outfit Fujitsu has won a three year contract worth more than $150 million with the Department of Defence to support 90,000 desktop computers located around Australia.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly said the contract was awarded as part of the department's Strategic Reform Program and was an extension of a contract originally awarded to former Telstra subsidiary KAZ and includes Defence's Central ICT Service Helpdesk services.

Dr Kelly said Fujitsu has been engaged by Defence for the consolidation and provision of Defence's central information and communications technology support services.

Dr Kelly said the initial term of the contract will be for a period of three years - with extension options for up to 20 years - at an approximate cost of $151.3 million for routine operational services.

The contract was a part of a program of supplier consolidation that aims to reduce the number of Defence technology providers, while increasing the overall responsibility of each provider.

"Within a few years Defence aims to have fewer suppliers of ICT services," Dr Kelly said.

"However, those suppliers who are selected as key strategic partners will have increased responsibility and the opportunity to contribute directly to Defence's business outcomes," he said. 

Fujitsu Australia chief executive Rod Vawdrey said the company had brought its UK-based defence expert Ian Gray to Australia to manage the so-called Distributed Computing Central Services (DCCS) contract.

"This contract augments our already strong presence in federal government and recognises the strength Fujitsu brings to delivering ICT services to Defence through tapping our global Defence business," Vawdrey said.