Information system projects are characterized by large scale, wide coverage and many professional equipment. Generally speaking, information systems have both hardware and software. Hardware includes network equipment, computer equipment, storage equipment, control equipment, video conference equipment, etc. Software includes system software, tool software and application software. Therefore, how to split (that is, subcontract) to obtain the best bidding result is a highly technical problem. Combined with the above-mentioned cases, the author talks about personal views, discusses with peers, and also provides some suggestions for property buyers.
First, the principle that is conducive to the implementation of the project. This is mainly determined by the size of the project investment, the content of the project and the technical strength of the user unit. If the project budget is relatively small, try to concentrate as much as possible and don't divide it into too many packages, otherwise it will be inconvenient to manage; If the whole system contains multiple subsystems, namely, computer system, network system, storage system, security system, video conference system, monitoring system, display system, etc. , it is advisable to divide the major into multiple packages for bidding as far as possible; If the technical strength of the employer is relatively strong, it is recommended to divide it into multiple packages, which is conducive to competition and better cost performance. If the project is large, with many contents, and the technical strength of users is weak, it is suggested to recruit a general integrator first, and then divide the software and hardware into multiple packages according to the specialty.
The second is the principle that is conducive to the formation of a fully competitive situation. If the project is large and contains a lot of content, it is recommended to subcontract according to hardware and software. Hardware can also be divided into network devices, computer devices, storage devices, etc. Software can be divided into several packages, such as system software, tool software and application software. Because in the IT industry, the professional division of labor is relatively fine. For example, some hardware vendors only have network devices or storage devices, while software vendors have similar situations (for example, only have system software or tool software, while many application software developers lack their own system software and tool software). In this way, after being divided into multiple packages according to specialties, it is conducive to the formation of a fully competitive situation, so that all suppliers can compete with their own specialties.
Third, it is conducive to the operation and maintenance after the project is implemented. Subcontracting in project bidding is directly related to the operation and maintenance after the project is completed. If the general contractor is recruited, it means that the user can be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project. Theoretically speaking, several packages of bidding means that there are several suppliers serving users, and there are problems such as how to coordinate the implementation, how to judge the failure and how to find the responsible person when the system fails. These problems are also to be analyzed and judged when bidding.
Fourth, it is conducive to the principle of obtaining the best cost performance and the best service. When bidding, users must not send a message that they want to buy the same brand of equipment just because they used what brand of equipment before, otherwise it is impossible to get the best cost performance and the best service (because of lack of competition). Of course, it is objective for users' technicians to be familiar with the technical performance of existing products. It is also true that it will bring some difficulties to the maintenance and repair of equipment if it is replaced by different brands of equipment in the subsequent procurement. However, compared with the high price and poor service caused by the long-term use of the same brand products, this difficulty can be overcome and should be overcome.
The author has been engaged in government procurement of information system projects for several years. There are hundreds of projects purchased every year, and there are not a few large projects with an investment of tens of millions (the largest is near 1 billion), but there are also hundreds of thousands of small projects, most of which are millions or tens of millions. The author deeply understands that different projects must adopt different purchasing strategies and different packaging methods in order to obtain the best bidding results. In this regard, we have many lessons and successful cases. As the staff of the centralized government procurement agency, we are willing to contribute our experience and lessons to the procurement staff and other colleagues to do a good job of service for the procurement staff. Our goal is consistent with the buyer. We should not only buy good equipment and excellent service, but also make good use of every copper coin of taxpayers. What makes the author feel gratified is that after several years of running-in, many purchasers have contacted and communicated with us before the project bidding, and even entrusted us with centralized procurement for non-centralized procurement projects; There are also procurement personnel who come to ask for our opinions and listen to our suggestions when conducting decentralized procurement. This is a great encouragement and promotion to our comrades engaged in government procurement, which makes us more confident to do a good job in government procurement.