Government agencies are now prohibited from outsourcing the development of any new software without using their own technical personnel. A government directive issued at a Secretary-level meeting on Monday seeks to reduce reliance on contractors and make use of internal workforce.
The directive says agencies must first implement, operate, maintain, and support all software and IT systems with internal staff. The directive states that "agencies may only use outsourced technical personnel where there is a highly complex technical issue in the work required which is beyond internal technical capabilities."
Agencies that have information systems deemed critical are to prepare and implement an Information Security Guideline in one month. The standards for IT procurement for the current financial year are also to be drafted and then approved, in 20 days.
Agencies must formally request the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology or Department of Information Technology if the agencies require a systems audit or a security audit.
The Ministry of Communications has also been tasked with the preparation of a detailed plan to improve software development, software operations, software procurement, and IT human resource capacity. The plan is to be developed in 15 days and submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
