The GSAS Program is a key element within the NSW governments IM&T strategy. It provides 'Common Use Contract' lists of preferred software packages to meet the needs of the majority of NSW Government agencies for corporate applications such as Financial Management, HR/ Payroll, Records Management, etc. The objective is to simplify the selection process for appropriate solutions at the agency level and leverage from the sectors implementation experience. Cost savings are also achieved through economies of scale. Agencies are required to select from the GSAS panel contract lists when replacing a corporate application or undertaking a major upgrade (eg change of platform), provided a relevant category exists.

The current GSAS lists for Financial Management systems and Human Resources/ Payroll systems were established in 1995 and are both due for renewal. The process of establishing new lists is being coordinated by Information Technology Supply (ITS) section in DPWS, in collaboration with DITM. An Applications Review Committee (ARC) has been established for each application, consisting of approximately 20 line agency representatives and central agency representatives from agencies such as Premiers Department (Corporate Services Reform Unit and Public Sector Management Office) Treasury and State Super.

A key first step in the process is to draw up the specifications for system requirements. The ARC committee members are currently reviewing a draft list of functional requirements to be incorporated into a Request for Tender, due for release later this year. However it is important to obtain input from as many stakeholders as possible. All agencies are therefore invited to contribute information on any specific current or planned requirements which they consider should be included. Some pointers to assist thinking about this are provided as part of the attached form.

Agencies interested in providing input to the specifications for one or both applications should complete the form and return it by Friday 26 November by fax to David Boughton, Supply Manager, GSAS, DPWS (see fax number on the form). Enquiries about the GSAS contract renewal process should be directed to David on 9372 7610 (or [email protected]). Enquiries about Corporate Services Reform directions and their implications for IT applications should be directed, for Human Resources/ Payroll, to Jo Grisard, Principal Project Director, CSR Unit (phone: 9228 5130 or [email protected]) or, for Financial Management, to Kim Smith, Project Leader, CSR Unit (phone 9228 5133 or [email protected]).

I am keen to ensure that the specifications for these important corporate systems represent the sectors current and planned requirements as closely as possible. I therefore strongly encourage all agencies to take the opportunity to contribute to this process.

Col Gellatly
Director-General

Premiers Department

GSAS PROGRAM: HUMAN RESOURCES/ PAYROLL and FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - AGENCY INPUT TO SPECIFICATIONS

Please return this form to:

David Boughton, Supply Manager, GSAS, Information Technology Supply, NSW Supply, Commercial & Business Services Group, DPWS

On Fax number: 9372 7622 by Friday, 26 November 1999.

AGENCY NAME: ________________________________________________

CONTACT OFFICER(S)/PHONE: ____________________________________

(if more than one, specify for which system) ____________________________

Notes:

You should assume that the draft specifications already cover long-established standard requirements and focus your comments on those aspects which are not always covered by the standard provisions.

Your comments may be addressed at a broad level (eg system should contain a given functional module, such as performance management) or at a highly specific level (eg system should be able to make specified retrospective adjustments under circumstances X, Y and Z).

You need only provide a brief description and justification for your proposed specification. If necessary, a follow up call will be made by DPWS to obtain more information.

Factors to consider are:

Existing functions or transactions which are suitable for automation but are currently carried out manually in your organisation. For instance, Higher Duties Allowance calculations.

Any requirements arising from new legislative requirements, industrial instruments, policies or procedures.

Any planned developments that should be supported by system capabilities (for instance electronic self service).

Please use the following format for your reply. If insufficient space, attach additional sheets.

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HUMAN RESOURCES/ PAYROLL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
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Suggested specification: Suggested specification:

Rationale: Rationale:
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Suggested specification: Suggested specification:

Rationale: Rationale: