Gen-i and Lenovo will supply computers to about 200 governmental agencies after being appointed as a provider on the all-of-government laptop and desktop computer procurement panel.

The contract is one of the first awarded within the four year programme by the Ministry of Economic Development to reform procurement, and will be administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.

According to economic development minister Gerry Brownlee, "these contracts will deliver improved service quality, make it easier for companies to do business with government and save more than $35 million over five years."

Other suppliers chosen to be part of the panel include Acer, Cyclone, HP New Zealand and The Laptop Company.

Lenovo's ANZ general manager Alan Munro says this is possibly the biggest notebook, desktop and monitor deal ever made in New Zealand.

“We look forward to working closely with Gen-i in this new streamlined procurement process to deliver our products to the New Zealand government to support the growth, development and sustainability of its IT infrastructure,” he says. 

Gen-i's head of public sector, Robert Monteith, says the government is already seen by Gen-i as a single vertical market and the company delivers products and services specifically for its agencies. “We already have over 100 government agencies using one or more of our Tahi all-of-government solutions which include voice, conferencing, data, mobile, security and record management products and services.

“Our partnership with Lenovo will allow the Government to leverage the breadth and depth of ICT expertise across both organisations. By bringing together our extensive procurement skills and in-depth knowledge of the sector’s requirements with Lenovo’s reliable and sustainable products, we will help the sector meet its efficiency and cost saving objectives,” Monteith says.

The tender process started in March 2010 and the agreement became effective on 24 September. Some government agencies will start to transition to the new contract straight away, with others following in July 2012.