Item 11.2 - Attachment 3 |
Attachment 2 - IT CCB
Project Proposal |
This proposal is provided in response to feedback received during the
2010 Community Grants assessment workshops.
Each year PCC’s Community Grants program receives a number of
applications from local not-for-profit organisations requesting funding to
purchase computers. These are currently handled on a case-by-case basis.
It is proposed that PCC enter into an agreement with WorkVentures to
supply re-furbished PCs to local not-for-profit organisations. Please see below
information on WorkVentures, its Connect IT program and specifications of the
PCs available.
This arrangement would allow PCC to address IT resource needs and
capacity gaps amongst local not-for-profit organisations in a sustainable,
equitable and proactive manner.
It is recommended that
Council fund a one-off bulk purchase of PCs that would be open to all local
not-for-profit organisations. An expression of interest process would be used
to determine eligibility and distribution numbers – but as an indication, for
$12 000 around 30 PCs could be purchased and distributed to local
organisations. The PCs would be distributed at an event, at which the Lord Mayor
or other nominated Councillor could present the equipment. Local media would be
invited to attend.
It is also recommended that in
2011 the Community Grants guidelines include specification of WorkVentures as
the supplier for any PCs funded under the program.
This approach will maximise the Community Grants program resources in
the future, by restricting the allowed spend on PCs whilst maintaining a
quality product purchase. A more equitable access to PC infrastructure for
local not-for-profits would also be achieved. This arrangement would also see
PCC demonstrating leadership in local government through a social procurement
purchase that supports one of
Expression of Interest Criteria
· The organisation is located or primarily seeks to
benefit residents of the Parramatta Local Government Area
· Applicant is a Not-For-Profit organisation
· The PCs must be accessible to the whole of community
· Applicant has the appropriate insurance to cover the
PCs e.g. Public Liability Insurance
· The
organisation must be open to the general community without discrimination in
accordance with the Anti-Discrimination Act
· Annual turnover of the organisation will be
considered
About
WorkVentures
WorkVentures' aim is to reduce economic and social
disadvantage by directly supporting individuals to remove the barriers
overcoming their economic and personal hardships. It is a social enterprise
that exists to build a just, creative and sustainable society by providing
quality economic and personal development support for individuals. It does this
through:
· Looking
for opportunities to become involved with enterprises that create direct
employment for disadvantaged individuals
· Engaging
disadvantaged individuals and helping create pathways to employment, to break
the cycle of poverty and helplessness
· Working in
partnership with a variety of organisations to deliver programs within groups
at risk, including indigenous communities
· Through
its enterprises (such as IT Connect), it aims to be financially self
sufficient, however key partners provide significant
additional support that ensures its programs and impact can be expanded.
WorkVentures focuses on giving individuals and
communities the capacity to create good lives for themselves, through new
skills, access to technology and fulfilling employment. It recognises the
potential of every individual and community and provides: skills training for
employment, new technology centres, low-cost PCs, community-based projects for
individuals, and support for self-employment.
WorkVentures'
Connect IT program offers quality refurbished personal computers (PCs) at
affordable prices to people on Centrelink benefits or who are low income
earners, schools and non-profit organisations.
The program aims
to narrow the digital divide in disadvantaged and isolated communities. Since
the program began in 2002, over 25,000 PCs have been distributed.
Corporations like The Westpac Group and government departments
donate superseded PCs, which are refurbished at the ITeC Repair
Centres into useful, high quality computers. Once refurbished, the PCs are loaded with Microsoft
software and promoted through distribution partners and supporters such as Centrelink
and Housing NSW.
The
computers
Workventures has offered a bulk purchase rate to
PCC of $390 (including delivery) per PC for the following specifications:
· Premium
brand (IBM, Compaq or Dell).
· Corporate
standard machines that were fully maintained throughout their life.
· A minimum
specification of Pentium 4 processor, 3.2 GHz, 40 GB hard drive, and 500MB of
RAM.
· Complete
systems with 15 inch LCD flat screen monitor, DVD-ROM, optical mouse and
keyboard.
· Internet
ready with a new 56k modem.
· Fully refurbished
and tested.
Over time these prices are anticipated to remain
fairly consistent, but as technology continues to advance the specifications
available at this price will improve.
Software:
All systems are preloaded
with quality software including fully licensed versions of the Microsoft
Windows XP Pro operating system and Microsoft Office 2003 software suite
(includes Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint). Current versions of AVG
Antivirus and Adobe Acrobat Reader are also included.
Support
To help recipients get started as quickly as
possible Workventures provides:
· A
comprehensive and user friendly Set-up and User Guide with each PC.
· Free phone
and email technical support during your warranty period.
· Referrals
(depending on your location) to PC training and/or support.
Warranty
WorkVentures offer a standard six month hardware
warranty. Most hardware failures occur during the first month of operation.
During the warranty period, WorkVentures will bear all costs relating to
hardware failure including repair and freight costs.
EOI Criteria