Assurance of Senate distribution of preferences software

⁠⁠⁠The provider will review AEC's documented interpretation of s273A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) (Federal Senate distribution of preferences.docx) and identify any inconsistencies with the legislation they find for discussion/clarification with the AEC.

Based upon discussions and agreed interpretation, the provider will conduct an assessment of the algorithm within the software (EasyCount - Senate) that applies s273A for the Senate elections and validate the implementation. This may be done through test cases/data or through code review.

The provider must have the ability to read and interpret the software and confirm the implemented rules are consistent with the agreed interpretation of the legislation.

A Baseline security clearance is required for any employee or sub/contractor of the independent provider (including employees of any sub/contractor) who will be involved in delivering the Assessment.

Any employee or contractor (including employees of any sub/contractor) who will be involved in the Assessment must sign a deed of confidentiality regarding the permitted use and non-disclosure of any information regarding EasyCount - Senate obtained in the course of their involvement in the procurement process or assessment. The deed of confidentiality will be expressed to have an indefinite confidentiality period.

Any employee or sub/contractor of the provider (including employees of any sub/contractor) appointed to conduct the assessment who will have access to any documents or be included in any discussions about EasyCount – Senate or the assessment must be listed as Specified Personnel in the work order.

Only Specified Personnel of the independent provider appointed to conduct the assessment will be allowed access to any documents, or to be included in discussions about EasyCount – Senate.

The EasyCount – Senate code will not be removed from the AEC network for the independent provider to gain access to the code. The independent provider’s employees will be required to be onsite at the AEC and log on to the AEC network. The AEC will have final approval over who is given access to the code.

The deliverable will be a written report of the assessment to the Australian Electoral Commission. The report may include statements compliance with the interpretation, recommendations in relation to the accuracy of the counting software, including in relation to its use or any variations required to improve or ensure its accuracy.