The Business Services Division (BSD) of the Information Systems Wing (ISW) is responsible for examining all Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment and facilities requests. All initial contact relating to such requests should be directed to the dedicated account managers. Formations have their own ICT co-coordinator and through the Client Focused Account Management Systems (CFAMS), each Formation's designated officer, normally the Executive Officer, can input requests, which will then be handled by a BSD account manager.

Some pilot projects, provision of new equipment, and large-scale replacement of aging equipment may be funded by ISW, such as provision of the shared Crime Computer Suites and the PII terminal replacement exercise. However requests for additional equipment, interim terminal replacements and other items specific to a Formation are to be funded by the user. For projects costing over $150,000, Formations will have to submit a RAE bid. ISW assists in preparing supported bids on an annual basis. If users have any queries about the funding and procedures for ICT procurement, Account Managers are ready to give advice.

In CFAMS applications, Formations should provide details and justification for their request along with identified source of funding and confirm the Formation Commander's support. To ensure that items are procured within the financial year, a deadline for submissions to ISW is announced, normally in November or December. Following are the points to note in preparing a CFAMS.

* Does the request add any value to policing?

* How does it improve efficiency or working conditions?

* Will there be any substantial savings?

* Can some older systems or terminals be returned to provide savings?

* How many people will it benefit?

* Is the concept consistent with or based on existing Force Policy?

* Has the request been included in, or covered by, another project or system?

* Is it a priority, being essential for expenditure or just nice to have?