Federal government’s Digital Marketplace expands into new service fields

The federal government’s Digital Marketplace is expanding to take on more service fields. Five new categories of services were added this week, building on the existing areas of software, design, change, strategy and delivery.

The new fields available for both buyers and sellers are still firmly in the digital space:

• Cyber security
• Data science
• Content and publishing
• Marketing, communications and engagement
• Support and operations

The marketplace is open to all tiers of government in Australia. The NSW government has already made it clear it’s embracing the Marketplace and that it meets policy requirements.

Commonwealth buyers still need to meet the Department of Finance reporting requirements, include notifying AusTender within 42 days of contracts and amendments valued at or above $10,000 for non-corporate buyers and $400,000 for corporate Commonwealth entities.

In a blog post this week, Digital Transformation Agency chief executive officer Nerida O’Loughlin said the expansion is expected double the number of registered sellers in the coming weeks.

“The marketplace levels the playing field for sellers who may not previously have worked with government, and, through increased competition, helps government buyers get greater value for money,” O’Loughlin said.

The marketplace now also supports government buyers to search for services that support their diversity procurement targets.

“Sellers can badge themselves as a business type including a startup, small-to-medium enterprise, and Indigenous-owned or disability enterprise, which helps government buyers support the growth of a range of different businesses.”

Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Cyber Security Alastair MacGibbon said he often hears that government procurement methods are a barrier for small cyber security businesses.

“The Digital Marketplace removes some of the pain points, making it much easier for these companies to connect with government. This is about creating opportunities for innovative local firms.”

This article was originally published on The Mandarin. 

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