The Federal Government has announced a new whole-of-government volume sourcing agreement (VSA) with software developer Rimini Street, expected to make agencies’ access to third-party software support cheaper and simpler.

VSAs provide standard terms, pricing, and licensing conditions for a signed vendor’s products and services, effectively simplifying the purchase and reducing the cost of software (and software support services) for government agencies.

Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) chief executive Randall Brugeaud said the new agreement will simplify the engagement process between government agencies and Rimini Street as a whole-of-government provider.

“The DTA continues to expand whole-of-government volume sourcing agreements to ensure that agencies have ready access to the best pricing, terms and conditions that leverage the buying power of government,” Brugeaud said.

Rimini Street’s regional general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Emmanuelle Hose, said the deal will give government agencies “easier access to an affordable alternative for their enterprise software maintenance and more options to consider in support of the GovERP Initiative”.

“This agreement provides an opportunity for government organisations to take back control of their IT roadmaps and drive innovation while lowering costs,” Hose added.

A US-based software developer, Rimini Street has established contracts with a number of government agencies across Australia, most notably with the New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services and Victoria’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

The Federal Government has confirmed VSAs with a number of major tech vendors, including Amazon Web Services, SAP, Microsoft, Concur, and IBM.