SUMMARY
The GSAS program provides a limited choice of best of breed software packages for corporate applications. All agencies are required to use GSAS selected packages for applications covered by the program. The overall goal of the program is to reduce the variety of software used in the public sector and gain the advantages that flow from this. Plans for applications in the GSAS program should be established in agencies IM&T Strategic Plans. This Circular replaces an earlier one but does not represent an overall change of policy.

BACKGROUND
One of the core strategies in the States 1997 Information Management & Technology Blueprint A well-connected future was to make the Government a smart acquirer of Information Management & Technologies (IM&T). The GSAS program is one of the vehicles for this. An independent review of the program has confirmed that it is delivering benefits to the government. One or more GSAS products are used in 85% of budget sector agencies and 80% of 169 agencies of all types.

It is estimated that the savings from the program total about $25 million across government. These savings come from the elimination of the costs of tender processes by agencies, reduced software licence fees and lower maintenance charges from the governments purchasing power.

The following applications are in the GSAS program:-

• Human Resource & Payroll Management.
• Financial Management.
• Records Management.
• Electronic Mail.
• Library Management.
• Integrated Management (combining HR/Payroll, financial and other enterprise-wide functions)

Property Management will be added in 1999, other applications may be added in the future.

POLICY
All NSW Government agencies are to obtain the benefits of the GSAS program for the acquisition of new, replacement, upgraded or enhanced application software is required and the application is in the program. The use of GSAS products is mandatory for all agencies except State Owned Corporations who are strongly encouraged to use them.

GSAS products are to be used when the GSAS application provides a substantial part of the agencys functional requirement. If at least 60% of the functional requirement can be satisfied by a GSAS application then an exemption must be sought before acquiring a package that is not a GSAS product. Intentions regarding GSAS applications must be covered in IM&T Strategic Plans.

It is recognised that there may be circumstances when an agency needs to adopt or continue using a package for a GSAS application from outside the product range. Before starting such acquisitions an agency required to use GSAS must request an exemption for that application. Such requests must be accompanied by a business case, with life-cycle costs, justifying the non-GSAS acquisition. They must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer. State Owned Corporations are requested to advise their reasons for not using GSAS. Requests and advice are to be submitted to the Office of Information Technology within the Department of Information Technology & Management.

How to use GSAS
Full details about the program are in IM&T Guidelines published by the Office of Information Technology and available from their web site. Information Technology Supply (ITS) of the Department of Public Works and Services is responsible for the day to day operation of the program. Since GSAS products are provided under common use Agreements between the vendors and the State Contracts Control Board, an agency need only select from the limited choice of products and agree an Official Order (Contract).

Further Information
Enquiries concerning the purchase of packages should be directed to:-

Supply Manager, GSAS Program
Information Technology Supply
Department of Public Works and Services
McKell Building
2 - 24 Rawson Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9372 7600
Fax (02) 9372 7622

Enquiries concerning exemptions from GSAS or GSAS policy should be directed to:-
 
The Executive Director
Office of Information Technology
Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9228 3500
Fax (02) 9228 3599

Detailed Information is published at
http://www.oit.nsw.gov.au/memo/gsasm.asp 
http://www.oit.nsw.gov.au/guide/gsasg/gsasg.asp 

Col Gellatly
Director General
Premiers Department