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    10 Do’s and Don’ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process

    The American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) has released a report designed to improve communications between government and industry in the federal IT acquisition process by providing a list of the top 10 do’s and don’ts. ACT-IAC believes that better communication and collaboration between government and industry will result in more effective and innovative technology solutions for the government and improve the effectiveness of the acquisition process.

    The list was developed at an ACT-IAC Acquisition Management Shared Interest Group (SIG) sponsored workshop on RFP-related communications that included over 80 acquisition experts and program officials from government and industry.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 1

    Click through for the top 10 do's and don'ts for improving the federal IT acquisition process, as outlined by the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC).

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 2

    Don’t go around proper communication channels, violate the black-out period, or ask unnecessary questions.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 3

    Don’t inflate or misrepresent your expertise or bad mouth your competition.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 4

    Don’t blindly cut & paste (from draft response, company literature or previous proposals) – customize to agency requirement.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 5

    Do understand your own capabilities and decide accordingly (and realistically) on what to bid.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 6

    Do put client interests first.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 7

    Don’t call the procurement best value if it isn’t best value – be clear about the evaluation criteria.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 8

    Don’t provide a point of contact who doesn’t answer phone calls or e-mails.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 9

    Do allow at least a 2 week period after the final answers to questions are posted to allow industry to adequately address clarifications or changes in the RFP.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 10

    Do use Statement of Objectives (SOO) – have true objectives and not “shall statements”. Encourage innovation on both sides. Promote more industry involvement through RFIs, one-on-one market research & other techniques.

    10 Do's and Don'ts of Communication in the Federal IT Acquisition Process - slide 11

    Do establish a realistic schedule – be mindful of major holidays.

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