The concrete life preserver is a metaphor describing a failed source selection where the product looks like what was desired but does not perform the intended function.
The Challenge
Commercial and Government contracting is rife with opportunities for miscommunication and misperception. This can undermine trust and fuel spirals of conflict. Source selection is a key element of an overall sourcing life cycle. Poorly executed source selection can lead to a stove-piped view, inconsistent communication and poorly planned selection guidance.
Solution Overview
Cask employs a collaborative and well-defined approach to improve communication, reduce inconsistencies, and reduce perceptions of bias, thereby greatly increasing the likelihood of the end solution meeting the acquirer’s needs. To be effective, a source selection approach should ensure:
- a thorough understanding of the requirements
- a comprehensive and coordinated plan
- well-defined instructions and evaluation criteria
- a coordination and disciplined review and evaluation process
Our solution encompasses the following five phases:
- Establish the strategy and vision
- Develop the business requirements
- Preparing the Request for Proposal
- Conducting the source selection
- Issue the award recommendation