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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY S.Y. MÉZEC OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2016
Question
Following the commitment in the Strategic Plan to support Jersey's digital industry what efforts, if any, are being made to ensure that local digital businesses are prioritised above UK firms when States contracts for the implementation of eGovernment are awarded?
Answer
eGovernment is a significant programme of work covering a wide spectrum of digital and IT technology components.
Much of this work can be delivered by the local digital sector, and a number of agreements have already been awarded to local suppliers. Jersey's digital sector is growing rapidly and island firms have developed skills and products for both the local and international markets. Some areas, however, require specialisms not currently available in Jersey.
Significant government contracts should always be awarded through fair and open procurement processes which aim to provide best value for taxpayers. Suppliers of IT services compete for Jersey government work by applying through the e-Procurement portal, "Channel Island Tenders".
Bids for contracts are evaluated by published criteria, which include relevant experience and expertise. This process aims to ensure services are delivered in a timely fashion at competitive prices.
The Government has announced its intention to build capacity and skills in the local digital sector. For the first time a Jersey Digital Framework' is being drafted for publication in the next couple of months. This will be a digital sector equivalent of the Financial Services Framework' – the Financial Services strategy published in 2014 – which has been so successful in repositioning the island's Finance Sector.
All eGovernment tenders will increasingly need to recognise, and assist with, the important strategic need to grow the island's digital sector.
This will be achieved by bringing in the best IT companies in their field. If such skills are not currently available in the island there will, in future, be a requirement for these companies to engage with local technology firms to build skills. Digital Jersey is being mandated to assist in this area and as eGovernment delivers more services the local industry will gain business opportunities.