Thanks to the advancement in the information technology across the world, more and more governments and government agencies are resorting to e-governance and extensive use of information technology to carry out their activities.
Planning the procurement strategies, policies and execution of the activities will be a tough challenge for the department heads of the procurement wing, especially in connection with IT procurement.
What is the big difference between IT procurement in an organization and that of a Government?
While there does not seem to be a major difference in the scope of activities between the Government IT procurement and IT procurement at private organizations, the fundamental problem arises in the process. Private organization have leverage in selecting the suppliers and amending the terms of the contract to suit their specific requirements upon mutual consent, such deviations are not possible in Government IT procurement.
Irrespective of the level of government authority, be it local level, regional level, or national level, and irrespective of the quantum of the value involved in the contract, a rigid process set forth in the books of law need to be strictly adhered to, in connection with Government IT procurement. The Government authorities have a specific responsibility to follow the rigid procedures as they are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the money paid as tax by the citizens. In addition, the Government has to ensure that the contracts for IT procurement are awarded only for legitimate reasons, and all businesses in the region are provided a fair and equitable opportunity to participate in the bidding process.
Contracts involving Government in IT procurement will be liable for more public scrutiny and as such, it becomes imperative on the part of the Government designated officer to follow the rules to the core in connection with the procurement process. Dealing with a Government in connection with IT procurement might, in many cases, be a frustrating experience for many service providers and/or suppliers. While the process seems to be more cumbersome, the results are worth the pain primarily for the reason that Government is ultimately the single largest customer in the marketplace. An entry into the Government list will be a worthy passport for success and sustained growth in the medium to long term for any business organization.
An organization, trying to participate in contracts involving Government IT procurement, should be capable of delivering the requirements within the stipulated time schedule. The company should be competent enough on technical grounds with qualified and experienced staff. Having prior experience in handling similar projects will be an added advantage in addition to reputation for the organization in the market place.
In order to be successful in bids for Government IT procurement, an organization should have a better understanding of the stipulations related to Government dealings. The organization should strive to prepare a stronger bid that is complying with most, if not all, of the requirements of the bid. The organization should have a thorough understanding of the process that a Government IT procurement department follows and also bear in mind the possible favorable outcomes for it if it were selected to provide the services.