The Digital Transformation Agency has released a request for tender in establishing a new Data Centre Panel to replace the existing panel, which is due to expire in 2023. 

According to the tender, the new panel will increase the supply and scope of data centre services available to buyers, support the whole-of-government hosting strategy and certification framework and update innovation and sustainability provisions. 

The new Data Centre Panel also established new categories of ‘Data Centre Facilities’ and ‘Prefabricated Data Centres’ for buyers.  

The Data Centre Facilities category will provide buyers with secure physical data centre facility spaces and facility-related components such as security, cooling systems and power sources. 

Those interested in joining this new category are required to have HCF approval as well as having their critical infrastructure asset registered with the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre. 

Meanwhile, the Prefabricated Data Centres category is said to include an all-in-one modular data centre solutions and associated services. 

The DTA has ensured that the new panel is set to be adaptable with possible categories to be added over time in order to properly cater to new buyers. 

It is expected that the new panel will replace the Data Centre Facilities Supplies Panel, which was launched back in 2014.  

The Data Centre Facilities Supplies Panel currently has around 15 data centre suppliers such as NEXTDC, Macquarie Telecom, Equinix, Fujitsu, Canberra Data Centres and Australian Data Centres. Only half of these suppliers are accredited under the Hosting Certification Framework, with many more still pending. 

Data centre suppliers are given five weeks to apply and become sellers on the new Data Centre Panel, before releasing the agreements in early 2023. 

The DTA has estimated that the average annual spend for non-corporate Commonwealth entities will be approximately $100 million per annum as they are required to do so in order to access goods and services. 

Meanwhile, other Commonwealth entities, statutory bodies, state, territory and local government jurisdictions will also be able to use the new Data Centre Panel, though will not be subject to the price. 

Source: Digital Transformation Agency media release. Content has been edited for style and length.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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