2011 Ag eCensus Load and Performance Testing

IBM has been contracted by the ABS to provide and host the eCensus solution that will enable members of the Australian public to complete their Census forms online during the Australian Population Census in 2011. IBM is also providing the ABS with a modified version of the eCensus application to be hosted on ABS infrastructure to provide an online form for the Agricultural Census to be conducted from June to October 2011. The solution for the Agricultural Census is referred to as AgCensus in this document.

This statement of requirement outlines the information needed to provide a quote for load and performance testing of eCensus and AgCensus. It should be noted that contractors are encouraged to submit a tender to provide independent testing services for either or both of the Census solutions specified above. Testing services for each Census solution will be contracted separately and the ABS may choose a different supplier for each contract, or may alternatively choose a single supplier for both contracts.

Maintenance of confidentiality and the preservation of each individual's privacy are government legislative requirements and are critical to the success of the Census. The high rate of participation in the Census and other ABS collections is attributable to public confidence in the ability of the ABS to maintain confidentiality of the information it collects from the Australian population.

The provider(s) of Load and Performance testing services will be required to work collaboratively, with the ABS, IBM, Telecommunications providers, and third party providers to ensure successful delivery of the project outcomes. Tenderers should provide a detailed project plan and organise regular project meetings and other relevant communication with ABS project staff.