[LINK] Thinking caps on everyone - Government 2.0 Taskforce

[Sylvano]

A competition to design a winning banner for the gov2 website would seem
to be the first of many competitions that will be initiated over the next
few months by the the task force.

There is a special Project Fund - described below - that will provide
financial support for pilots/trials and special consultancies as well as
prizes for competitions.  Note: there is no money prize for the banner
competition..

Sylvano


http://gov2.net.au/about/project-fund/

<quote>
What is the Project Fund?
------
The Project Fund is a $2.45 million fund available to the Taskforce to
support the development of Web 2.0 tools and applications that either
enable engagement between government and the community or support the
innovative use of government information.

The Project Fund will not be used to cover costs associated with the
Taskforce secretariat, the Taskforce chair or other administrative costs
incurred running the Taskforce. These costs will be borne by the
Department of Finance and Deregulation.

What sort of projects will the Taskforce fund with the Project Fund?
------
Funding will be focused on two categories:

   1. Pilot projects and trials (including scoping, development and
implementation) in respect of Web 2.0 tools and applications created to
enable government engagement and consultation with the Australian
public; and
   2. Awards, prizes and other benefits for groups or individuals who
develop innovative information technology tools and applications that
make use of government information sources.

The Taskforce may also use Project Fund money to engage third-party
consultants to provide advice on particular elements of the Government 2.0
agenda, for example technical or specialist policy advice.

I have a great idea for a project that demonstrates the value of
Government 2.0. Can I apply for funds from the Project Fund?
-------

While you can’t apply for direct access to funding, the Taskforce will run
competitions that will invite interested individuals and groups to submit
ideas and Web 2.0 designs to the Taskforce for consideration and potential
prizes and other benefits such as funding for pilots.

What criteria will the Taskforce be using to assess my idea?
-----
The role of the Taskforce is to identify and assess potential and current
projects to determine their suitability to receive prizes and other
benefits from the Project Fund as a result of success in competitions. The
criteria for success will be released with each competition.

How is the Project Fund being funded?
------
The Project Fund has been established in partnership with Microsoft using
funds from a special Service Provision Fund (SPF). The SPF was established
by Microsoft in 2001 to support information technology projects that
enabled or supported government’s computer software investments.

>From 2001 to 2008 Microsoft has periodically put a fixed proportion of its
revenue from its sales of its products to the Australian Government into
the SPF. This arrangement ended in 2008 with the commencement of a new
volume sourcing arrangement between Microsoft and the Australian
Government.

Microsoft has agreed to commit a portion of the remaining SPF to support
the work of the Government 2.0 Taskforce. Microsoft will not have a role
in deciding which projects are funded, but will manage the fund under the
direction of the Taskforce Chair.

Can other private organisations or individuals contribute to the Project
Fund or the Taskforce?
-------
Yes. The Australian Government welcomes contributions by private
organisations or individuals to the Project Fund or to the Taskforce’s
work generally, subject to certain terms and conditions. The Government
does however reserve the right not to accept funds or other assistance
from any organisation or individual at its discretion.

Contributions to the Taskforce need not be monetary. For instance, Cisco
is supporting the Taskforce’s work through the provision of its
Telepresence facilities for use for Taskforce meetings. You might consider
contributing your skills or intellectual property instead.

If you wish to contribute to the Project Fund or the Taskforce please
contact us at contact at gov2.net.au

How can I find out what has been funded through the Project Fund?
-----
Details about every project funded through the Project Fund will be
available on the Taskforce’s website.

I have a question about the Project Fund that isn’t answered here.
-------
Questions can be directed to the Taskforce Chair using the details on the
contact at gov2.net.au

</quote>

http://gov2.net.au/about/

<quote>
The Taskforce will meet regularly, consulting in an open and transparent
manner and use online solutions for its engagement wherever possible.

The Taskforce will provide a final report on its activities to the
Minister for Finance and Deregulation and the Cabinet Secretary by the end
of 2009. The Taskforce will disband on completion of its final report.
</quote>