The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has announced a new version
of the free Information Communication Technology (ICT) model contract
and associated guidance. The new model contract aims to help achieve
better outcomes for projects with complex ICT procurements, while at
the same time saving time and money. It has been produced in
conjunction with the delivery partner of the contract, Partnerships UK
(PUK), and follows consultation with industry body Intellect, the legal
profession and key government stakeholders.
The new version addresses a number of issues, including
refinement of the financial distress provisions, and further guidance
on supply chain rights and benchmarking. It also introduces a number of
drafting improvements to revise and clarify clauses that have commonly
caused undue delays to negotiations.
The model ICT contract is a key component of the OGC's new Policy
and Standards Framework, and is also a core part of the Chief
Information Officer Council's Supply Transformation Programme. The
model ICT contract website has over 2300 registered users and the
contract itself is widely supported by government, industry and the
legal profession. As a result, it is now being adopted for use across
the public sector, including several major programmes.
Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of the OGC commenting on the new model
contract said, "Success of projects or programmes that require ICT
support can depend on those services being contracted in the most
appropriate and efficient way. The ICT model contract that we have
developed with industry bodies and other stakeholders goes some way in
providing those assurances.
"I would recommend that any public sector organisation acquiring
such services should consider adopting the model contract if it is
appropriate for their requirements. This will not only allow them to
save time and money with not having to develop contracts from scratch,
but it will also provide additional peace of mind with the knowledge
that important factors have already been considered. Many organisations
have already benefited from the model contract, and we look forward to
providing additional developments and adaptations of the guidance in
the future to cater for the evolution of the marketplace, products
available and the specific requirements of the services."
The model contract is hosted on the Partnerships UK website.
About OGC
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) leads government departments
and the wider public sector to make improvements in buying goods and
services. As an office of HM Treasury, the OGC works with central
Government departments, and other public sector organisations.
Source: http://www.ogc.gov.uk