7.46 The Government is aware that, as part of this reform of IT procurement to improve outcomes and the deliver of value for money, it is vital to improve the public sector's ability to procure and manage complex IT projects. The OGC is currently working to address Departments' IT delivery capabilities, for example through the creation of Centres of Excellence in Programme and Project Management.
7.47 Action is in hand by OGC on a range of improvements. First, OGC is developing the Programme and Project Management specialism to help Departments define and acquire the skills they need for all projects, including IT. This will involve professional development of existing staff and a recruitment drive to bring in additional talent. Secondly, Centres of Excellence in Programme and Project Management have been set up in all Government Departments with the aim of overseeing their project portfolios and ensuring that appropriate approaches are being adopted. Senior Responsible Owners have been appointed for all major projects and robust Business Cases are now required. Departments should not adopt a big-bang approach to IT, but must seek a modular or incremental approach. The Gateway process ensures that projects not adopting an appropriate approach in all these areas are identified at an early stage.
7.48 OGC have issued revised guidance on evaluating suppliers' proposals on the basis of true life-cycle value for money, giving due weight to the deliverability and quality of proposals as well as the price tendered. Guidance has been provided to Departments on how to prioritise their projects to help ensure that they operate within their delivery capabilities. And OGC has put in place arrangements to ensure that appropriate training in delivery skills is available to all those involved in the process. All OGC guidance is now available through one Successful Delivery Toolkit at its website www.ogc.gov.uk.