Report 1—Procuring Complex Information Technology Solutions

At a GlanceReport 1—Procuring Complex Information Technology Solutions

  Why we did this audit

  • The government currently has about 21 large information technologyIT procurements underway, valued at over $6.6 billion. Procurements for major IT projects are inherently complex and as IT projects continue to increase in complexity and have a growing role and importance in government operations, the government has recognized that traditional procurement processes must be adapted to deliver solutions that achieve business outcomes.
  • Without adequate training, procurement teams may be ill-equipped to carry out agile procurement processes.
  • A lack of engagement with key stakeholders in governance mechanisms can lead to problems that are costly and time consuming to solve after contracts are awarded.
  • The Government of Canada is committed to promoting fairness, openness, and transparency in procurement processes and, therefore, needs to protect against this risk.

  Our findings

  • Federal organizations made good progress toward adopting agile procurement practices.
  • Federal organizations rolled out agile procurement without sufficient training for staff or engagement with key stakeholders.
  • Collaboration with suppliers needs improvement.
  • The monitoring of fairness, openness, and transparency in procurement needed improvement.

  Key facts and figures

  • Estimated budget for the 3 major IT initiatives examined in this audit
    • Next Generation Human Resources and Pay ($117 million)
    • Benefits Delivery Modernization ($2.2 billion)
    • Workplace Communication Services ($155 million)

  Our recommendations

  • The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Shared Services Canada should develop more comprehensive guidance and training for employees to improve understanding of agile procurement and how to apply collaborative methods.
  • The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, with input from Public Services and Procurement Canada and Shared Services Canada, should also assess what skills, competencies, and experience procurement officers need to support agile approaches to complex IT procurements.
  • The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Shared Services Canada should ensure that governance mechanisms are in place to engage senior representatives of concerned departments and agencies for each of the complex IT procurements we audited. This will be particularly important to support agile procurements of complex IT initiatives and their successful achievement of business outcomes.

We have more recommendations! See full list of recommendations and responses

Related information

Entities
Completion date 18 Janaury 2021
Tabling date 25 February 2021
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