Views on IT Professional Services Arrangement invited
15 - 05 - 2004

The Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) today (May 15) published a public consultation paper on the Information Technology Professional Services Arrangement (ITPSA).

A spokesman for the department said that in the Digital 21 Strategy 2004 promulgated recently, the Government announced its plan to review the ITPSA tendering approach in 2004 as part of its continuous enhancement of the IT outsourcing programme.

"Since 1994, the ITSD has adopted a bulk supply arrangement to enable government departments to obtain IT professional services more effectively. The ITPSA, which is the present arrangement, commenced operation in June 2002 and the normal term of the relevant contracts, will expire around the end of 2004. Although the contracts provide for a time-limited extension period, the department is conducting a review to find ways to improve on or replace the arrangement," the spokesman said.

The consultation paper explains the present arrangement and discusses issues and areas for improvement that were identified through feedback from government departments, ITPSA contractors and industry players. The paper also makes an initial analysis of some improvement or replacement options.

"Industry feedback is crucial to developing a new and enhanced system," the spokesman said. We encourage the industry, including the existing ITPSA contractors and sub-contractors, to contribute their views generously.

Key issues in the consultation include participation by suppliers, length of contracts, selection of contractors and quality considerations, categorisation of services and suppliers, categorisation of human resources, sub-contracting, country of origin of workforce, managing conflict of interest, and supplier registration system.

The consultation paper can be downloaded from the ITSD website at www.itsd.gov.hk/itsd/english/archive/pupr2004/epubcs.htm. Requests for an electronic copy can be made via e-mail to itpsa_review@itsd.gov.hk.

Comments can be sent to the ITSD at the same e-mail address; by fax to (852) 2574 3799; or by post to 6/F, Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

The consultation period ends on June 12, 2004.

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