Maude: 'Mega IT contracts are over'

PublicService.co.uk - Government intentions to break down IT contracts and to open up supply opportunities to SMEs, have been reiterated by Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude as he initiated a new approach to supplier relations in government.

Following contract renegotiations launched in July with the government's 19 largest suppliers, many of which focus on IT services, Maude's supplier summit address has signified a new partnership between government and the private sector.

Maude said: "The days of the mega IT contracts are over, we will need you to rethink the way you approach projects, making them smaller, off the shelf and open source where possible. We will expect you to be transparent in all your dealings with us and for the terms of the contracts we sign with you to be published online."