Search

At first pass, you will explore realistic ICT options to deliver the outcomes of your proposal.

The purpose of a first pass business case is to provide a sufficient level of information on the benefits, costs, risks and range of digital and ICT implementation options for a proposal to enable an informed in-principle decision on the investment.

The business case must present:

• a clear strategic narrative that demonstrates business needs are aligned to policy objectives, underpinned by well-considered use of digital and ICT
• realistic digital and ICT options to deliver the proposal’s outcomes, with strategies to manage associated risks, ensuring each option can be realistically implemented by Cabinet approval and further addressed in the second pass business case
• an indicative cost estimate over the lifetime of the project, benefits (financial and non-financial), and a proposed schedule for each option.

Where possible, agencies should use existing resources to develop the first pass business case.

Subject to the Budget Process Operational Rules, a first pass proposal may include a bid for additional funds for activities that will assist the development of the second pass business case. This includes development of second pass business case documentation, prototyping or piloting activities where required.

You will find further information and guidance about the structure of your first pass business case in the templates section.

If Cabinet provides in-principle approval for your proposal, including one or more of your ICT options, you will proceed to second pass to fully develop the option/s for further consideration by Cabinet.

At second pass, you will fully develop a business case for the ICT option/s that received in-principle approval from Cabinet at first pass. 

The purpose of a second pass business case is to build further detail on the option(s) agreed by Cabinet for further development at first pass to enable an informed final decision on the investment. The second pass business case is required to include risk mitigation strategies, detailed cost estimates, appropriate funding options and provide assurance that the planning, consideration and consultation required for successful implementation has been undertaken.

The second pass business case must also:

• provide sufficient detail to inform Cabinet decision-making on what will be delivered, the delivery schedule, benefits and the realisation schedule, risks and mitigation strategies, and monitoring and reporting arrangements that will support implementation
• include a detailed cost estimate based on
  • rigorous planning of required digital and ICT infrastructure, applications and support
  • a combination of one or more methods such as proofs of concept, approaches to market (if available), external expert advice, other similar domestic and or overseas implementation, and independent market assessments
• address the development and procurement of the proposal by detailing how each digital and ICT option could be acquired and delivered to deliver capability and benefits with reduced risk
• detail the proposal’s governance, which must specify:
  • how progress will be monitored and measured
  • how emerging risks will be addressed
  • when regular progress reports will be provided to government
• detail the assurance activities which you have agreed with the DTA, that will be applied to the proposal, such as Gateway Reviews.

You will find further information and guidance about the structure of your second pass business case in the templates section. Once you have developed your second pass business case, your Minister will seek Cabinet’s agreement to proceed with the proposal.

In some circumstances, the relevant portfolio Minister may seek agreement from the Prime Minister or Cabinet to bring forward a second pass business case for Government consideration without first bringing forward a separate first pass business case. These circumstances may include:

• when there is a clear and urgent business need for investment
• when rapid implementation is needed, and/or
• when there is only one workable implementation option or a number of highly developed implementation options.

Authority from either the Prime Minister or Cabinet must be granted before the relevant Portfolio Minister brings forward the proposal. The supporting business case must also meet second pass business case requirements set out in the IIAP guidelines.