Chief Technology Officer ‘as a service’

Key problem/s

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is facing increasing pressure to modernise its digital and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) landscape to keep pace with evolving technology, regulatory demands, and public expectations. Many of ACMA’s core systems and infrastructure are aging, fragmented, and no longer fully aligned with the agency’s strategic priorities or the broader whole-of-government digital direction.

While the agency has strong technical delivery and operational teams, there is a gap in enterprise-level technology leadership that can unify ICT decision-making, strengthen strategic alignment, and accelerate modernisation efforts. ACMA requires a more coordinated approach to digital investment, architecture, and capability uplift — supported by contemporary governance and strategic technology oversight.

To address this, ACMA is seeking market input on how Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a Service models could provide strategic technology direction, strengthen architecture governance, and ensure technology investments deliver measurable business and regulatory outcomes. The preferred service provider would demonstrate strong industry partnerships and technology market awareness, ensuring that ACMA’s future ICT investments are informed by emerging trends, vendor innovations, and proven technologies that deliver the best return on investment for the agency.

The users and their needs

As an ACMA Senior Executive, I want to:

• Have confidence that technology investments align to strategic priorities and deliver measurable value for the agency.
• Access expert advice on technology trends, opportunities, and risks to support executive decision-making.
• Ensure ICT and digital investments represent the best possible return on investment for the agency and the community.

As the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), I want to:

• Access high-level strategic technology leadership to guide ICT modernisation and governance uplift.
• Strengthen the agency’s digital and ICT architecture through expert, independent advice and industry insights.
• Leverage strong industry partnerships and vendor networks to ensure ACMA invests in modern, cost-effective, and sustainable technologies.

As a Principal Architect, I want to:

• Collaborate with a CTO service to align enterprise and solution architecture decisions with the agency’s business strategy.
• Ensure technology designs and investments adhere to contemporary standards and whole-of-government frameworks.
• Gain access to insights and peer review from broader industry expertise to validate architecture direction and technology choices.

As a Manager of Digital and Technical Services, I want to:

• Receive clear, strategic direction for modernising existing systems and infrastructure.
• Understand the technology roadmap, dependencies, and governance expectations.
• Access experienced advisory support to uplift capability, maturity, and consistency across delivery teams.

Technical/business constraints

1. Infrastructure Environment

• Microsoft centric environment deployed across both on-prem (Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne) and cloud
• Cisco based network and security services
• Cisco Webex based collaboration and telephony augmented by Microsoft Teams
• Nutanix Acropolis hyperconverged infrastructure across two external datacentres
• Commvault Hyperscale backup environment with tape-based storage
• Primarily Structured Queary Language based database services, with Oracle used for SPECTRA
• Windows 10 bases Standard Operating Environment with strong integration into Microsoft 365, co-managed via Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager & Microsoft Intune

2. Aging Infrastructure

• Hyperconverged infrastructure nearing end-of-life including vendor support for software updates.
• Network refresh required to maintain security and stability.
• On-premises databases nearing end-of-life.
• Backup system last replaced in 2020 and requires refresh.

3. Legacy Systems and Technical Debt

• Customer Relationship Management system redevelopment underway to reduce technical debt and strengthen security.
• Windows modernisation program in progress transitioning the agency to Windows 11.

Response format

• References
• Relevant case study
• Presentation

Key dates/ milestones

We are seeking to embed a CTO as a service within this financial year. Please note that this RFI is for information-gathering purposes only and is not binding. A formal competitive procurement process will follow.