To address the NSW Government’s increasing demand for data storage and computing capacity, two new fit for purpose data centres will be established in Sydney and the Illawarra. By consolidating demand, the NSW Government will avoid significant costs and drive efficiency savings as Government agencies consolidate their back-office functions.

On 10 November 2010, the SCCB commenced a RFT process to provide the data centre facilities. The RFT closes on 21 February 2011.

Until the RFT process is complete, no NSW Government agency may enter into a contract for data centre capacity for a period beyond 2011, or commit to undertake capital works on an existing data centre before December 2011, without the approval of the Director General, DSTA.

Following successful completion of the RFT process and NSW Government approval of the project, all NSW Government agencies will be required to move existing data centres into the two whole-of-Government purpose built data centres by 31 December 2015 (subject to the terms and conditions of existing contractual agreements with the private sector for the provision of data centre services).

An ‘opt-out’ principle will apply in relation to the new data centres. Agencies must seek approval from the Cabinet Standing Committee on the Budget to use other data centre arrangements.

Brendan O’Reilly
Director General