The Department of Digitalization of Akmola Region becomes the Sole Operator for ICT Matters
On January 14, 2025, the Governor of Akmola Region, M. Akhmetzhanov, signed Order No. 5, appointing the State Institution “Department of Digitalization and Archives of Akmola Region” as the sole operator for the implementation and development of digitalization, digital transformation, and information and communication technologies (ICT).
This decision aims to centralize and optimize digitalization processes in the region and improve the efficiency of budget spending.
What Has Changed?
1. Mandatory Approval of Budget Requests
• All administrators of budget programs are now required to coordinate procurement requests for ICT-related goods, works, and services with the Department of Digitalization.
• The documents can be forwarded to the Department of Economy and Budget Planning of Akmola Region only after receiving approval.
2. Procedure for Submitting Requests
• Only authorized government agencies may submit requests for approval.
• Subordinate organizations are not permitted to submit requests directly, bypassing the established procedure.
3. Responsibility for Budget Requests
• Heads of budget program administrators are responsible for:
• the justification of the request,
• the accuracy of calculations,
• the timely submission of documents.
• Legal basis: Clause 12-1, Article 67 of the Budget Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
4. Deadlines for Submitting Requests
• ICT procurement expense estimates must be submitted annually by March 1 (Article 60 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Informatization”).
5. Required Documentation
In accordance with Clause 12 of the Instruction (Order No. 274 of the Acting Minister for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 16, 2016), the following must be attached to the request:
• An explanatory note (in accordance with the Budget Request Rules).
• Commercial offers from at least two suppliers detailing:
• goods (quantity, specifications, cost),
• works/services (description, cost, deadlines, resources involved).
• Copies of the investment proposal, financial and economic justification, and terms of reference (if the project is related to e-Government).
Objectives of the New Regulation
Increase transparency in ICT public procurement.
Optimize budget spending on digitalization.
Ensure effective control over the implementation of digital technologies.
Conclusion
Appointing the Department of Digitalization as the sole operator will help eliminate function duplication, reduce inefficient spending, and accelerate the region’s digital transformation.
Budget program administrators must strictly follow the new procedure for submitting and approving requests to avoid violations.