Government moves to simplified IT contracts

The government has issued new standard IT contract terms it claims will simplify the tendering process for suppliers bidding on public sector contracts.

The new terms have been produced by Whitehall procurement body the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and will replace the existing complex contract documentation with a choice of two "standard" contract forms.

One contract is for procurement of goods and supplies and one is for the procurement of services. The OGC claims these are easier to administer and will remove the barriers that small and medium-sized IT suppliers often faced when trying to compete for government contracts.

New guidance is also available to IT suppliers and government departments on the usage of the new contract terms.

John Oughton, CEO of the OGC, said in a statement, that the move shows the government is listening to the IT industry. "These new contract terms will simplify the IT tendering process and deliver significant time and money savings for suppliers and public sector buyers," he said.

Details of the standard contract terms and guidance can be found on the OGC website.