1. Need for telecommunications policy Strengthens the telecom department Serves organization in a more coherent and cost-effective manner Allows for smoother transition in event of staff changes Assures that technology will meet the organizational needs on a technical, financial and strategic level

2. Acquisition policies Acquisitions should be logical, systematic, standardized and documented Acquisition process should be unbiased Forms and procedures should be standardized –Creates an audit trail –Established bases for cause of any problems

3. RFI –Analysis tool to prepare for RFP –Assess viability of a product and of a vendor—eliminate potential bidders –Educational process for project manager

4. RFP Defines technology, business, legal, & implementation issues Two processes –Creation of the RFP –Process by which RFP is used to make a selection

5. More on RFPs Standard concepts that should be covered in all RFPs –Present system and background –Instructions Should be clear—responses need to be in standard form –System requirements & features –Vendor background –System pricing Needs to be presented in same format by all bidders –Confidentiality clause, etc. –Right to reject all bids

6. More on RFP process Need for single point of contact Bidder walk-through or bidder’s meeting Maintenance contract to avoid user liability

7. RFP steps RFP’s mailed to vendors Vendor’s conference Addenda to RFP if needed Bid due date on-site visits to assess systems Decision matrixes developed Finalist selected Business and legal review Final selection

8. RFQ To order additional equipment or configurations from chosen vendor Control ordering process if there is only one choice for the product