Assignment 2: Socioeconomics of Government Contracting With the ongoing emphasis on being financially responsible, the government often implements the RFP process to attain demonstrable cost savings....

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Assignment 2: Socioeconomics of Government Contracting


With the ongoing emphasis on being financially responsible, the government often implements the RFP process to attain demonstrable cost savings. Review the following sample Request for Proposal and respond to the questions listed below.Sample Request for Proposal: Implementation Assistance and Training SupportThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is accepting proposals from firms that support Evergreen, an open source software. DHS seeks assistance in training staff, and providing support to staff responsible for planning and implementing the launch of Evergreen as an integrated research system.Services to Be Performed by Respondent•Assist the DHS in making changes that bring to use of electronic circulation, online catalog, and technical services support. •Provide recommendations to DHS for hardware procurement and firewall procurement.•Provide estimate to DHS for training in the following area: system administration.Responding to this RequestIn responding to this request, your proposal should include the following components:•Scope of Work and Cost Proposal: Complete responses for each item in Services to be Performed.•Relevant Experience: Detail your firm’s experience in providing Evergreen installation services, as well as Evergreen support services.•References: Provide information on whether your firm currently provides Evergreen support to any other federal agency.Evaluation of ProposalsDHS will evaluate proposals on a qualitative basis. This includes discussions with other clients, and the firm’s completeness and timeliness in its response to us.Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:1.Discuss whether the sample Request for Proposal meets the government’s standard form for solicitation.2.Evaluate whether competitive negotiations in government contracting for the above Request for Proposal would produce a cost savings for the government.3.If a smaller firm is awarded the contract for service, discuss the procedures that a larger firm would need to follow to file a protest.Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:•Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.•Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:•Distinguish between the various types of contracts and considerations for use.•Explain how to use the administrative and judicial processes available for contract dispute resolution.•Use technology and information resources to research issues in procurement and contract law.•Write clearly and concisely about procurement and contract law using correct grammar and mechanics.

Answered Same DayDec 29, 2021

Answer To: Assignment 2: Socioeconomics of Government Contracting With the ongoing emphasis on being...

David answered on Dec 29 2021
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Socioeconomics of Government Contracting
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Socioeconomics of Government Contracting
Running Head: SOCIOECONOMICS OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING
Socioeconomics of Government Contracting
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Features of a Standard Form for Government Solicitation
Elliot and Salamon (2002, p. 325),
state that an ideal request for Proposal (RFP) should offer details about the service needed, award and the consequences of failing to meet the standards stipulated in the contract. It should explain what the government is looking for and the factors, the team will use to evaluate the eligibility of respondents. The government uses RFP when it wants to evaluate the provider agencies in terms other than the price. Hence, it is able to check validity of the contractor’s experience, managerial skills, and technological aspects (Corbin, 2007, p. 48-50).
The Request for Proposal from the Department of Homeland Security qualifies as a standard form of solicitation for a number of reasons. First, it offers background information explaining why the department needs a contractor. However, it does not expound on the address of the department. That section should also indicate when and where contractors should send their proposals (“Government Contract Law,” 2007, Chapter 2). The Department of Homeland Security’s RFP contains sufficient information describing the offer because it states that the department needs assistance in implementing Evergreen, and training the workforce how to use that software.
Further, it states particular services the respondent should provide. This builds on the information explained in the previous part because once respondents understand what the work involves, they get a detailed breakdown of particular services that should achieve the objectives of the Department (“Government Contract Law,” 2007, Chapter 2).
According to Goldsman and Worthington (1998, p. 50), a contractor should indicate technological ability to perform within expectations of the department’s needs. It is also important to propose a price for the work, and state managerial skills and experience. This proposal explains what a contractor should include when responding to the proposal so that the portfolio indicates its strengths and how they conform to the department’s needs. In conclusion, this RFP indicates how the government department will evaluate proposals. It enhances transparency of solicitation because contracting is one of the few areas that are plagued by corrupt deals (Edwards, 2005, p121). In addition, the respondents can know the process their bids have to go through so that they adjust their proposals accordingly.
Cost Savings for the Government
Cost saving is the main reason why the government solicits for contractors. The Department of Homeland Security would cut costs considerably in a number of areas such as recruitment of additional staff to operate the systems and overhaul of the information technology division to...
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