[LINK] Hockey turns to Booz over smart card

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

Hockey turns to Booz over smart card
Rodney Gedda
Computerworld
19/07/2006 16:52:44
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1144317383;fp;2;fpid;1

Human Services Minister Joe Hockey has announced the appointment of IT 
consulting Booz Allen Hamilton as the lead advisor to the Office of 
Access Card.

Booz Allen Hamilton will project manage the implementation of the health 
and social services access card, and providing strategic advice to the 
minister and the Department of Human Services.

"The tender for Lead Advisor attracted a very strong response from 
around the globe," Hockey said. "Booz Allen Hamilton was judged to be 
the optimum choice, being both a global player with a strong local 
presence, and having overseen the implementation of 25 smartcard 
programs, including completed projects in Europe and the US."

Booz Allen Hamilton will co-locate its project team within the Office of 
Access Card, bringing consultants from around the world to Canberra.

During the course of the evaluation, the department had a team of 25 
staff examining the experience of all prospective advisors, including 
direct enquiries to government and private sector project sponsors. An 
independent probity review was also conducted.

The appointment involves a series of contracts over the life of the 
project, with the initial contract worth $4 million over the next three 
months.

Booz Allen Hamilton's first task is to outline the implementation plan, 
business architecture, technological specifications, and budget for the 
project.

A program monitoring and assurance consultant will also be appointed to 
review the work and advice of Booz Allen Hamilton.

Booz Allen Hamilton director Vanessa Wallace said the company is looking 
forward to taking part in ensuring the delivery to the Australian people 
of an "efficient and secure" system for accessing government health and 
social services benefits.

"We will announce shortly further appointments to the team including the 
deputy secretary of the Office of Access Card, the chief technology 
architect, and the program monitoring and assurance consultant," Hockey 
said.

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Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Sydney Australia
brd at iimetro.com.au