Principle 5: Align with whole-of-government requirements
Align with relevant whole-of-government requirements early to ensure that digital investments deliver their outcomes with lower cost and reduced effort. The key requirements are:
5.1 Accessibility
Design digital investments for all users, including people with disabilities, older people, and those who struggle with technology.
The Commonwealth Procurement Rules contain mandatory requirements for applying Australian Standards, this is relevant to most investments subject to this policy. If the Australian Standard for Accessibility (AS EN 301 549:2020) is applicable to your goods or services being procured:
- tender responses must demonstrate the capability to meet that standard,
- contracts must contain evidence of that standard, and
- include periodic auditing of compliance.
For more information, refer to the:
5.2 Privacy and security
Ensure you align to relevant privacy and security conditions. Consider documents such as the Australian Privacy Principles, the Protective Security Policy Framework and the Australian Government Information Security Manual.
5.3 Cloud first
Consider cloud solutions and follow the Secure Cloud Strategy. The strategy explores how cloud reduces costs, lifts productivity and delivers better services.
5.4 Use open standards and common platforms, make source code open, and allow government reuse
Follow the Digital Service Standard, particularly, use open standards and common platforms (Standard 7) and make source code open (Standard 8).