Must-know ICT and government terminology

A type of software solution that enables organisations to automate and streamline their expense and travel processes. It typically includes features such as expense reporting, approval workflows, travel booking, receipt capture, and reimbursement. This software can help organisations reduce errors, improve compliance, and save time and money by automating many of the manual processes associated with expense and travel management.

A specific program or activity that is funded through the government's annual budget process. Operating expenses relate to ongoing costs associated with the delivery of government services, such as salaries, maintenance, supplies, and administrative activities.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a document used to gauge the interest and capability of potential suppliers in bidding for a particular procurement opportunity. An EOI is typically issued early in the procurement process, before a formal Request for Tender (RFT) or Request for Proposal (RFP) is released. Through an EOI process, the procuring agency invites potential suppliers to express their interest in bidding, and to provide information about their capabilities, experience, and capacity to deliver the required goods or services. Based on the information received, the agency may then shortlist a number of suppliers to participate in the formal tender process.

A method of transmitting data through strands of glass or plastic fibres, rather than using traditional copper wires. This type of cabling is used in the ICT industry due to its ability to transmit large amounts of data over long distances with minimal signal degradation, making it a reliable choice for high-speed communication networks. Fibre-optic cabling is also lightweight, immune to electromagnetic interference, and can transmit data at much higher speeds than traditional copper cabling.

Agencies responsible for managing and overseeing financial affairs of the government. These agencies play a crucial role in maintaining the financial integrity and stability of the government by providing financial management, accounting, and reporting services, as well as advice on budgeting and financial planning.

An information management system that automates and integrates financial management processes within an organisation. The system provides a platform for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, cash management, financial reporting, and other financial management activities. FMIS is used by organisations to manage financial resources, monitor financial performance, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

An agreement between a buyer and one or more suppliers that sets out the terms and conditions under which the supplier(s) will provide goods or services to the buyer over a defined period of time. Frameworks are typically established through a procurement process and may involve multiple suppliers who have been prequalified based on their capacity, capability, and experience. A framework is designed to provide the buyer with flexibility and control over its procurement activities by establishing a pre-approved list of suppliers that can be used for specific requirements or projects without the need for a full procurement process each time.

An agency which directly provides services to the public. Front-line service delivery agencies tend to have high staff headcounts and high operating expenses as a result. In Australia, which entities are considered front-line service delivery agencies varies depending on the level of government - e.g. education, justice, transport and health are most prominent at the state level, whereas the at the national level the major service delivery arms are in human services, border protection and defence.

Front-line service delivery agencies tend to receive more budgetary leeway than back-office agencies due to the importance and popularity of their functions - e.g. public sector staffing caps often allow for higher growth in key front-line positions such as sworn police, teachers or nurses.

Development of a detailed document that outlines the features, functionalities, and requirements of a system, for example a software product or application, including how it should behave and how users should interact with it. It typically includes information about the system architecture, user interface design, data processing, security, and other technical specifications. The functional specification serves as a blueprint for the development team to follow and helps ensure that the end product meets the customer's needs and expectations.

Government entities that are primarily engaged in the delivery of public goods and services, and which are under the control of the central government. This includes all government departments, agencies, and other entities that are involved in the formulation and implementation of government policies and programs, and which are funded through taxation or other revenue sources controlled by the central government.