Govt awards tender to develop national IT system for social service sector

SINGAPORE - The Government has awarded the tender to develop the Social Service Net (SSNet) - a national case management system for the social service sector.

A joint effort of the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, SSNet will enable service providers to better coordinate the delivery of social assistance and social services to individuals and families in need.

The $26.5 million contract has been awarded to Accenture Pte Ltd, which will undertake the development of the system.

SSNet will facilitate the sharing of information among service providers by including case and referral management, and providing assessment tools. Thus, beneficiaries will receive more timely and effective assistance. Safeguards will also be put in place to ensure that information is shared on a needs basis and used responsibly.

The system will start implementation at the Family Service Centres (FSCs) and Social Service Offices (SSOs) in Q3 of 2015.

"Our aim is to better serve those in need. To ensure that the SSNet achieves this objective, we have been working closely with stakeholders on its design and functionalities. Even after it is developed, it will take time for help agencies - from voluntary welfare organisations as well as the government - to transit to the new system. We will provide the necessary support, and work closely with all partners to ensure a smooth transition," said Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Social and Family Development.

minlee@sph.com.sg