Question: Should whole of Australian Government Single Seller Arrangements exist for the technology sector?
10.4 Overwhelmingly respondents agreed that, yes, the SSAs should either exist in their current format and structure, or should exist, with need for some aspects to change. This is consistent with feedback obtained through stakeholder interviews. The reasons for the need for change are further captured in the following questions.
Figure 27 - Survey response: Should whole of Australian Government Single Seller Arrangements exist for the technology sector?
Figure 27 - Survey response: Should whole of Australian Government Single Seller Arrangements exist for the technology sector?
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Question: In your experience, how effective are SSAs compared to other procurement methods (e.g. open tender, panel arrangements etc.)?
10.7 Respondents all identified that the SSAs are at least as good or better than other procurement methods. The section below provides a summary of both the positives and opportunities for improvement.
Figure 28 - Survey response: How effective are SSAs compared to other procurement methods
Figure 28 - Survey response: How effective are SSAs compared to other procurement methods?
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Question: Have SSAs adapted or evolved to accommodate changes in the following areas: Regulation and legislation, Organisational policy, and Developments in technology
10.10 The survey responses indicate that there is a generally positive sentiment towards whether the SSAs have adapted or evolved to accommodate changes in regulation, legislation and organisation policy, and developments in technology. Respondents identified that the SSAs do have some flexibility, but require further improvement to respond to regulatory, market and technological shifts in a more responsive manner.
Figure 29 - Survey response: Have SSAs adapted or evolved to accommodate changes?
Understand the limits of data
Use data ethically: Data should only be collected and used for the stated purpose that the user agrees to. Account for how data models, datasets and algorithms may produce discriminatory results and provide transparent detail to users on how decisions and calculations are made. Before sharing data, apply the DATA Scheme’s Data Sharing Principles to help assess whether it would be safe to do so.
Use qualitative and quantitative data: Quantitative (numeric, measurable; metrics) data helps us understand what is happening on a service, while it takes qualitative (descriptive, observable; user observation) data will help us understand why. Use both to fully understand the story and match any correlation with a provable causation before making important decisions.
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Figure 29 - Survey response: Have SSAs adapted or evolved to accommodate changes?
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Question: Monetary benefits of SSAs. Which of these monetary benefits has your agency received from SSAs? (Select all that apply)
10.12 The survey identified the majority of monetary benefits stem discounts, along with price stability and predictability, which correlates with responses from interviews with stakeholders. The data also shows that half of respondents benefit from lower procurement overheads and reduced contract management costs.
10.13 The response highlights that the special offers and incentives offered under the arrangements are considered less of a benefit, which correlates with interview feedback indicating a need for further transparency and education on these benefits and how to access them.
Figure 30 - Survey response: Which of these monetary benefits has your agency received from SSAs?
Figure 30 - Survey response: Which of these monetary benefits has your agency received from SSAs?
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Question: Non-Monetary benefits of SSAs. Which of these non-monetary benefits has your agency received from SSAs? (Select all that apply):
10.14 Respondents identified that the pre-negotiated terms and conditions and simplified / streamlined procurement are the major non-monetary benefits of the SSAs, with half indicating that improved contract compliance and risk management was a benefit.
Figure 31 - Survey response: Which of these non-monetary benefits has your agency received from SSAs?
Figure 31 - Survey response: Which of these non-monetary benefits has your agency received from SSAs?
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Question: Thinking about the wider technology ecosystem and supply chain, how much do you agree that SSAs contribute to supporting the following: Australian Businesses, Indigenous Businesses, Women led Businesses, and Small to Medium Enterprise?
10.16 Analysis of the responses indicates that there is slightly negative sentiment towards whether the SSAs contribute to the participation from the businesses such as Australian, Indigenous, Women led or Small to Medium Enterprises, indicating that the arrangements do not foster engagement of these sectors in their current form.
10.17 Respondents noted the opportunity for the strategic nature of the SSAs to be leveraged to drive a stronger strategic partnership with the sellers, leading to greater investment in the Australian market and public sector, aligned to national priorities. This could include incentivising the use of suppliers such as Indigenous or women-led businesses.
10.18 Responses also identified opportunities including the use of local services and subcontracting under the SSAs, strategic partnerships with Indigenous businesses, skills development initiatives and support to innovation hubs as an opportunity for SSA sellers to contribute to fostering Australian economic participation.
Figure 32 - Survey response: Thinking about the wider technology ecosystem and supply chain, how much do you agree that SSAs contribute to supporting the following?
Figure 32 - Survey response: Thinking about the wider technology ecosystem and supply chain, how much do you agree that SSAs contribute to supporting the following?
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Use data ethically: Data should only be collected and used for the stated purpose that the user agrees to. Account for how data models, datasets and algorithms may produce discriminatory results and provide transparent detail to users on how decisions and calculations are made. Before sharing data, apply the DATA Scheme’s Data Sharing Principles to help assess whether it would be safe to do so.
Use qualitative and quantitative data: Quantitative (numeric, measurable; metrics) data helps us understand what is happening on a service, while it takes qualitative (descriptive, observable; user observation) data will help us understand why. Use both to fully understand the story and match any correlation with a provable causation before making important decisions.
Question: What key activities or strategies can help drive Australian business participation in the SSA supply chain?
10.20 Respondents indicate that stronger application of the government policy position such as Indigenous Procurement Policy could drive greater participation in the supply chain, including consideration from the sellers in establishing strategic partnerships with Indigenous businesses. Further respondents identified that there is the potential to ensure broader economic benefit through defining minimum targets for local participation through the SSAs.
10.21 Respondents also provided examples of opportunities to drive participation through access to skills building initiatives across diverse communities and further engagement in initiatives that drive and promote local innovation, research and development and emerging technologies.
Question: Have you experienced any unexpected or unintended consequences from using SSAs? If yes, please specify and suggest any mitigation strategies.
Figure 33 - Survey response: Have you experienced any unexpected or unintended consequences from using SSAs?
Figure 33 - Survey response: Have you experienced any unexpected or unintended consequences from using SSAs?
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Question: In your experience, are there models you are aware of from sourcing arrangements in other nations or Australian States and Territories we should consider?
10.23 Responses provided references to models such as the NSW Government, United States and United Kingdom sourcing models, which have been considered as a part of this review, with specific reference in Appendix F: International comparisons.
Question: Is there anything else you'd like to raise that has not been covered in this survey?
10.24 Four key thematics were identified:
Improved pricing transparency: Responses encourage broader sharing of pricing books and ongoing support costs for the SSAs to support internal decision making and requirements definition.
Future planning: Responses encouraged the DTA to consider further SSAs for large software companies to streamline the purchasing process through agreed terms and conditions.
Survey response results: Responses identified that the outcomes from surveys of agencies using the SSAs, including proposed actions should be provided as an update from the DTA.
Earlier renegotiations: Responses indicate that the timing of negotiations can leave government agencies with limited time to consider their internal position on the arrangements before the establishment of the head agreement.
Appendix E
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