Enterprise Integration Toolkit: Preparation

Software | Preparation

The work done up front in preparing for the acquisition of software will help ensure that the best software package is selected.

| | Steps
	Step	Tools
1	Gather and report lessons learned to date 4 Lessons learned from activities and steps of the previous phase should be gathered from key project participants.	Process for gathering and reporting lessons learned
2	Schedule Activities 4 Define and manage sequence of acquisition activities and timeline for each based on acquisition strategy previously defined during Initiation stage
3	Determine if Third Party Expert Needed 4 Evaluate internal team skills against requisite skills to identify gaps and determine level of assistance needed from an outside expert
3a	Engage 3rd Party if Needed 4 If third party is required, competitively engage a proven, independent third party that fills the gap in skills & experience. Independence should be demonstrated by having no vested interest in the work to be awarded.
4	Identify Team 4 Inventory tem members needed to conduct the acquisition of software. Commence efforts to organize & recruit team.
5	Gather Software Related Contract Info 4 Evaluate Software License & maintenance agreement alternatives, including the Enterprise Software Initiative, GSA and other contract vehicle alternatives.	Enterprise Software Initiative Link
6	Team Kick-off 4 Hold team kick-off meeting.
7	Identify Potential Vendors 4 Develop initial list of software vendors through various techniques such as RFI, Web research, references and other sources
8	Establish Evaluation Factors Matrix 4 Establish initial list of evaluation criteria and weightings	SW Vendor Evaluation Matrix Template
9	Conduct Initial Vendor Research 4 Evaluate initial list of potential software vendors against evaluation factors defined in Step 7 above.
10	Determine Initial Bidders 4 Develop the list of Software Vendors you plan to send the RFP to based on previously established evaluation criteria and research