Tax Policy Research Data Lab (31 Aug)

Funded by Tenders

ATM

Tax Policy Research Data Lab

Client

The Australian Taxation Office

Closing Date and Time

31 August 2026

Background

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is seeking a supplier with a proven track record in securely hosting sensitive government data to deliver a secure, partitioned data lab. The solution must leverage the supplier’s existing infrastructure to support controlled, least-privilege access via virtual machine (VM) for approved projects and users, in alignment with the Five Safes framework.

The ATO draws upon the “Five Safes” model to safeguard the privacy and security of ALife data while maximising its research utility:

  • Safe Projects – Is the use of the data justified and in the public interest?
  • Safe People – Are the users trained and authorised to handle the data responsibly?
  • Safe Data – Has the data been de-identified or treated to reduce disclosure risk?
  • Safe Setting – Is the data accessed in a controlled and secure infrastructure?

Safe Outputs – Do the outputs avoid revealing confidential or identifiable information?

 

Scope of Work

The delivery of services will be structured across two distinct phases.

Phase 1 encompasses the implementation of all solution components outlined in the acceptance criteria, including the secure data lab infrastructure, curated gateway, virtual machine access, software provisioning, and completion of testing and onboarding activities. This phase will commence on 19 October 2026 and must be concluded and formally accepted by the ATO no later than close of business 24 December 2026.

Phase 2 involves the ongoing maintenance and support of the solution. The supplier will be responsible for ensuring the infrastructure remains secure, up to date with developments in IT security standards, and continues to meet the needs of researchers. This includes providing technical support, facilitating onboarding for new projects, and maintaining engagement with the ATO. Phase 2 will remain active until the end of the contract period and may be extended if the ATO indicates a continuation of services.

 

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria

Good and Services Offered

 

70%

The quality of the goods and/or services offered, their ability to meet the ATO’s requirements, objectives and outcomes, and the Tenderer’s capacity to provide them.

Mapped to requirements in SOR.

Delivery and Management

 

20%

The proposed delivery and management arrangements (including subcontracting) to efficiently and effectively manage and deliver the goods and/or services.

Mapped to requirements in SOR.

Capability

10%

Delivery approaches, including proven experience and capacity to deliver in complex and highly secure environments.

Capability and capacity to scale products to meet ATO’s changing and growing needs during the implementation and post-project.

Mapped to requirements in SOR.

Financial & Commercial considerations:

Non-Weighted

The prices and pricing offered by the Tenderer and all other financial considerations, including all relevant direct and indirect costs and benefits to the ATO over the whole procurement cycle.

The Tenderer’s financial viability.

Contract terms offered:The Tenderer’s proposals in relation to the Contract (including extension options).

 

Budget

To be quoted.

Key dates

Closing date

Reference documents

Research Services contact