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The Western Australia fire service has handed a $4-million contract to testing and digital solutions provider Planit to measure its life-saving IT systems.
The Sydney-headquartered firm will work with the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) over a three-year period, with the option of renewal for another two.
Founded in 1997, the company's testing service spans software, accessibility and security. In addition, the company also provides services in automation, virtualisation and optimisation consultancy, among others.
The new contract will cover software and hardware solutions including those developed by the department, third-party services providers and commercial or packaged solutions.
In addition, Planit will also streamline certain testing activities through the use of automated scripts. Some of the systems are critical to frontline emergency responses, according to the acting director of ICT Cameron Gibbs.
“It is important that any changes made to existing solutions, or the implementation of new solutions, are of a quality that minimises the likelihood of errors being encountered in the live environment that could jeopardise the delivery of emergency services to the community. Planit’s testing services will provide this,” he told ARN.
The contract replaces a previous testing services contract awarded in 2016 that has now expired. The DFES declined to name the former provider.
In addition to Sydney, Planit also has offices in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Its international presence covers New Zealand, India and the United Kingdom.
In Australia, it counts Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and the NBN Co among its technology clients alongside others such as McDonald’s, Commononwealth Bank and News Corp.
“Planit was honoured to be awarded the opportunity to work closely with the DFES to deliver quality engineering consulting into their organisation,” Planit director of operations in Perth Andrew White said.
“The chance to work with a public sector entity that is responsible for such a crucial service to all Western Australians is exceptionally exciting and amounts to a challenge that we take extremely seriously.
"We thank the DFES for their trust and we are eager to commence, and provide quality and value as soon as possible."
