The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) has released an update to its ICT sourcing guide for government agencies which was first published in 2004.

The Guide to ICT Sourcing for Australian Government Agencies: Developing and Executing an ICT Sourcing Strategy, is designed to assist agencies develop sourcing strategies for ICT investments, according to Special Minister of State Gary Nairn.

"It describes a better practice approach for assessing, negotiating and managing ICT sourcing arrangements," Nairn said.

The Department of Finance claims the 2004 release of the guide was received positively by federal government CEOs, CIOs, and IT managers with over 1000 copies distributed in the first six months following its release.

The updated release of the guide incorporates changes and additions to address the government's "international obligations", the AusTender procurement reporting facility, intellectual property issues, the ICT multi-use list, and the second release of the SourceIT Model Contracts.

"The Government invests substantial energy and money in the procurement of its ICT and it is important that agencies apply a strategic approach to ICT procurement to minimize the time and effort taken and to attain the best value outcome," Nairn said, adding the publication provides high-level guidance to assist agencies in delivering those outcomes while facilitating procurement processes of individual agencies.

The updated guide is available from www.agimo.gov.au.