Let’s face it – contracting can be complicated! In Portland, the success of a major technology procurement relies on collaboration between Procurement Services, Bureau of Technology Services, and the requesting bureau. A lack of coordination throughout the stages of a procurement can limit the success of even the most critical technology solutions.
So, what's the Rx? Check out this video to hear from City staff in Procurement and BTS as they share their experience applying results-driven contracting strategies to improve the City's technology procurement process.
From this engagement, the City of Portland set out to improve results from its most important technology procurements and contracts. To reach this goal, the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL) provided remote technical assistance from June 2019 to February 2020, working closely with the both the Procurement Division and Bureau of Technology Services (BTS).
The project focused on identifying and implementing opportunities for efficiencies, collaboration, and transparency during the RFP process. This project’s four work streams focused on incorporating a results-driven approach to technology procurement by providing:
- Guidance for bureau staff on how to navigate the technology RFP process
- Adjustments to Procurement Services and BTS intake forms and processes
- Changes to the City’s technology RFP template
- Facilitated meetings of Procurement Services and Business Engagement and Technology Strategy (BETS) Team focused on process and customer service improvements
The full summary of the project is available here:
Government Performance Lab helped the City apply these new processes and provided other technical assistance on technology RFPs for the City’s new rental registry platform and Transportation Wallet technology solicitation. Looking forward, all new procurements for technology services are expected to benefit from the many practical improvements that add up to the City's new, more results-driven approach.