The NSW Government has introduced new procurement guidelines between departments and agencies and tech companies to streamline service delivery and enhance access to innovative digital solutions.

The Test & Buy Innovation guidelines eliminate the need for government departments and agencies to be “forced down rigid tender pathways”, which have mostly led to purchasing “off-the-shelf” technology.

The guidelines also support input from small, medium and local enterprises, or “market disruptors”, who will have more opportunities to display their technologies and solutions without having to follow strict procurement processes.

Designed to form part of the NSW Digital Strategy developed by Digital NSW, the new process will support government buyers at several stages of the procurement process, including:

• First, identifying the ‘problem’;
• Second, inviting proposals from market participants for a solution; and
• Then, being able to collaborate with one or more suppliers to trial solutions before selecting and implementing one on a broader scale.

“Reforming how NSW Government procures innovative technologies is an important part of the NSW Digital Strategy and will help make services more responsive, forward-thinking and effective for the people of NSW,” Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, said.

“This guidance opens the door to better value for money and delivering the best solution powered by the latest technologies.

“This is a great example of how we are driving innovation by working with technology providers to identify real-world solutions, as well as supporting the delivery of stronger frontline public services for the people of NSW.

“It provides for greater access to innovative solutions for everyday problems by opening new opportunities for small, medium and local enterprises to contribute ideas straight from technology think tanks.”

The new guidelines come off the back of research and consultation with over 100 technology suppliers and has already resulted in new and emerging technology deals, including leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the pre-lodgement process in housing development applications.

“Through the Test & Buy Innovation approach, we’re making it easier for government agencies to access new technologies which can drive efficiencies, improve service delivery, and strengthen the digital capability of the public sector,” Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong, said.