NSW ICT Assurance Framework

The NSW ICT Assurance Framework (IAF) is designed to improve strategic alignment and assurance for ICT projects across the project lifecycle. The interim IAF is at Attachment 1.

The IAF sets out the Gateway Review process and other assurance requirements for ICT projects including mandatory due diligence reviews, health checks, deep dive reviews and project status reporting.

It also sets out that all NSW Government ICT investment decisions must demonstrate the following whole of government strategic imperatives and investment principles have been applied in the project. Alignment will be checked as part of the IAF process.

Strategic Imperatives

• comply with relevant whole of government ICT policies and standards, including Information Management, Data Centre Reform, Corporate and Shared Services Reform, Information Security and Enterprise Architecture

• align to a service orientation, including ‘as a service’ sourcing models, as a primary option

• provide for online and mobile access and the sharing of data across government and externally, as appropriate

• ensure collaboration and re-use by demonstrating that there are no existing ICT solutions that can be leveraged

• demonstrate standardisation and interoperability of technologies and solutions

• demonstrate better value to government and/or citizens over the life of the investment.

Investment Principles

• Business cases must be developed with sufficient resourcing given the complexity of the project (including via seed funding if necessary).

• Projects must be modular with individual modules not exceeding two years duration to enable them to demonstrate specific benefits for discrete investment.Exemptions may be sought from the Secretaries Board and may involve additional scrutiny under the IAF.

• All business cases must include the full set of technology and business change costs along with asset, development and other costs.

• Agencies must not release full funding to projects until set up for success.

  This circular replaces DFS-C2014-01 NSW Government ICT Investment Policy and Guidelines.

IAF interim arrangements

Implementation of the IAF will commence on 5 September 2016, focusing on high profile, high risk projects. Interim arrangements at Attachment 2 will be in place until the final IAF is endorsed by Cabinet (expected to be in November 2016)

Martin Hoffman

Secretary