Answer To: Assignment 2: Socioeconomics of Government Contracting With the ongoing emphasis on being...
David answered on Dec 29 2021
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...