Do you need some insights into how to go about outsourcing technical projects? Here is a good intro presentation.

1. Contracting for
Technical Solutions
www.olivetech.com

2. Why Outsource?
 Focus on core functions  Best practices
 Lower operational costs  Superior technology
 Budget control  Flexibility and speed
 Fixed to variable costs  Platform agnostic
 Lower ongoing investment  Control delivery dates
 Avoid internal hiring  Acquire innovative ideas
 Transfer of assets  Lower risk
 Suspend or delay project  Credibility and image

3. Key concerns in any outsourced project:
1. Quality
2. Timeline
3. Control
4. Budget

4. Address concerns through placing emphasis on:
1. Specifications
2. Communication
3. Documentation

5. Specifications:
 Identification of problem
 Articulation of problem
 Business analysis
 Technology roadmap
 Project requirements – SRS
 Identification of risks and bottlenecks

6. Communication:
 Contact information for all concerned
 Point persons on both sides
 Meeting schedule linked to milestones
 Communication media
 Collaboration tools

7. Documentation:
 Project proposal
 MSA and WS – other contracts
 Inline documentation
 Code comments
 Technical manual, flowcharts, psuedocode
 User manual

8. The 3-legged stool addresses the following issues:
 Distance  Communications
 Culture  Processes
 Time zones  Specifications
 Language  Documentation
 Technology  Support
 Maintenance  Training

9. Purpose of an RFP:
 Provides clearly defined set of requirements
 Demonstrates buyer’s commitment to project
 Allows vendor to interact with buyer
 Expedites project completion
 Provides platform for describing the business
processes, products and services

10. What goes into the RFP:
 Description of the business
 Description of the problem
 Description of current environment
 Project and/or IT roadmap
 Expected service level
 Evaluation criteria and process
 Contact person(s)

11. What needs to happen before the RFP:
 Gain internal visibility for the project
 Determine project budget
 Establish project schedule
 Identify project stakeholders
 Identify project owner or champion
 Compile project requirements
 Contact potential suppliers

12. Anatomy of an RFP:
1. Business overview
2. Project overview
3. Technical requirements
4. Management requirements
5. Pricing section
6. Supplier section - qualifications
7. Contracts and licenses
8. Appendices

13. Supplier Selection Criteria:
 Matching Values
 Right People
 Right Methods
 Project and communication tools
 Project or technology specific experience
 Proven Track Record
 Competitive Pricing

14. Post RFP Activities:
1. Evaluate proposals
2. Establish short list of suppliers
3. Call references
4. Host demonstrations
5. Select supplier
6. Execute NDAs, contracts
7. Debrief suppliers who did not win

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