The Australian Research Council (ARC) invites solution providers to apply for the configuration, build and delivery of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system utilising Microsoft Dynamics. Project delivery is set for early MAY 2026.

The ARC is a small agency of 200 staff that is part of the Education portfolio. The agency delivers the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) for the Australian Government, partnering with stakeholders across the education sector to facilitate research grants in Australia.

To deliver the NCGP the ARC requires a CRM that will streamline its interactions with the sector and deliver efficiencies in its stakeholder management processes.

Conditions for Participation:

The selected provider must offer comprehensive business analyst services, including attending workshops with ARC business areas and conducting scoping requirements to ensure successful implementation. Regular status updates through weekly or biweekly meetings are expected.

Integration expertise is essential, specifically for Microsoft Dynamics with M365, SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange and Azure Active Directory (AAD). Integration with the ARC’s in-house built Research Management System (RMS) and additional systems are in-scope through configuration of an API.

The approach must include iterative development, incorporating feedback from ARC to build, test, and deploy the final solution.

Additionally, the provider will develop training materials, support the transition to production, and offer ongoing break-fix support as needed.

Initial scoping work has been conducted to identify preliminary mandatory requirements, located in the EOI pack.

Timeframe for delivery:

The timeframe for project delivery is early May 2026. Proposed key milestone dates as follows:

1. Business Analysis: Due December 2025
2. Environment design: Due January 2026
3. Configuration: Due February 2026
4. UAT Completion: Due March 2026
5. Transition to production: Due April 2026
6. Go-Live: Due May 2026

In submitting a response, Potential Suppliers are required to comply with all requirements set out in the BuyICT Digital Marketplace 2 terms and conditions.

Estimated start date: Monday, 20 October 2025

Initial contract duration: 12 Months

Extension term: 6 months

Number of extensions: 4

Location of work: ACT

Working arrangements: Hybrid