Request a reuse exemption
Overview
State Digital Assets (SDAs) are digital solutions endorsed for reuse across government agencies. SDAs are designed and delivered to enable all-of-government capabilities, providing long-lasting benefits to NSW government.
Agencies may request for a reuse exemption if an endorsed SDA cannot meet their specific needs. This page provides guidance on the exemption process and the steps to request an exemption.
Reuse exemption scenarios
Agencies may request an exemption under one or more of the following scenarios:
- The SDA is not capable to provide features critical to my program/agency.
- The SDA cannot interoperate in my agency’s digital ecosystem.
- The SDA is not financially viable for my agency.
- The SDA cannot serve my program/agency needs in an appropriate timeframe.
- The SDA is not able to comply with regulations that my program/agency is subject to.
- The SDA is not suitable for my program/agency operating context, e.g. emergency response, law enforcement, temporary events.
- Other risks – agency to specify.
Before requesting an exemption
Agencies should only request for exemptions after all viable reuse options have been thoroughly explored with the SDA owner.
Agencies must engage with the SDA owner to explore reuse options before requesting an exemption.
- Project is in planning – if a project is in its early phases, agencies must explore reusing SDAs to meet project objectives and collaborate with SDA owners on delivery timelines.
- Project is in progress or already deployed – if a digital solution is already in progress or duplicates capabilities of the SDA, agencies must investigate options to reuse and develop a viable migration plan.
The following items are required as part of any reuse exemption request:
- Documented justification for the relevant exemption scenario(s).
- Approval from the agency CIO.
- Planned course of action if the exemption is granted.
Request a reuse exemption
Send the completed form to Digital NSW at digital@customerservice.nsw.gov.au, with the subject: “SDA Reuse Exemption Request”.
Digital NSW will contact the requesting agency to discuss next steps and timings.
FAQ
A list of candidate and endorsed SDAs can be found on the What’s available page. Check their tag to determine their endorsement status.
Yes, agencies must request reuse exemptions for both Core and Common SDAs to be compliant with the SDA Reuse Policy.
Digital NSW will review the exemption requests and consult the Technical Design Advisory Group (TDAG) as needed, before submitting recommendations to governance groups for approval.
If an exemption is not approved, the agency and SDA owner must continue to work together to achieve meaningful adoption. Digital NSW will monitor progress and keep governance groups informed.
Agencies may not need to request reuse exemptions immediately. Agencies with existing digital solutions that duplicate a Core or Common SDA must contact the SDA owner to develop a migration plan that aligns with the agency’s operational needs. Agencies must request an exemption if they cannot meet a migration deadline set by the SDA owner.
Digital NSW reviews granted reuse exemptions every 12 months to ensure they remain valid. If there are material changes since an exemption was granted, Digital NSW will coordinate with the agency and SDA owner to identify any new opportunities for reuse.
No, agencies do not need to request reuse exemptions for candidate SDAs. Candidate SDAs are digital solutions that are prioritised for future endorsement. Agencies are encouraged to reuse these solutions whenever possible.
Get in touch
For guidance or further information on reuse requirements or exemption processes, please contact the SDA Program team.
