https://thecgp.org/images/2023/08/CGP-Commercial-Practices-Analysis_final.pdf
The above white paper was provided by The Coalition for Government Procurement. They are a wonderful entity which provides information and best practices for government to best serve business. Anybody who has been and is in federal contracting desires the process to culminate in transaction as quick and painless as possible.
Government’s so big and business so heavy that changes have direct effect on both the end-user as well as the nation’s government.
The paper concentrates upon the VA’s healthcare system. I worked within its FSS program for 9.5 years.
Automation vs. Manual Purchase Cycle
The commercial sector has automated its purchases, tracking and billing processes. It’s as easy as Amazon. With a click of a mouse or push of a button your product will be shipped to you and payment received.
The FSS base contract uses manual ordering practices by way of bid submission and coordinates through fax and telephone at the ordering facility level.
Although I did not take direct orders for the VA’s healthcare system, I understand the liability of manual input amidst a mountain of paperwork and the race against time. With human input, error is inevitable and data-entry can be like nails on a chalkboard when assigned projects pile up.
Data processing takes time and the ordering structure is not streamline because each CO possesses varying interpretations to achieve the same result. Due to this, orders get canceled as buys aren’t completed timely and completed orders aren’t tracked entirely because bundled orders are routinely not itemized, orders are itemized to incorrectly incorporate the micro-purchase threshold, duplicate purchases listed, incorrect card information input or even embezzlement due to racing the PALT clock at the purchasing level.
The FSS is present to combat the issue of modernization. Contracting has the same problem everywhere. Whether its a straight buy or entry upon a schedule, when everybody wants a swing at the piñata then that creates work and that work takes people away from being an agent of change. It’s a never-ending circle that only changes if time allows. It’s not as if VA or FSS leaders don’t know what they want or even how to obtain it. Worries abound as how change effects veteran care. Each person has only so much time in a workday, five workdays a week and only 40 hours to maintain and establish change.
The Coalition is well respected in federal contracting circles for sharing its expertise to modernize the process of doing business with the government. They’re a tool you need in your toolbox.
As a whole, the federal marketplace is manual. I can help you navigate the perimeters. Your CO will love me because your submission during any phase of the contract life-cycle will be straight forward and void of common error. Thus, moving your project from start to finish very quickly in comparison to your peers who aren’t as familiar with the federal purchasing or schedule process as I.
If you think I can help you then email nicholas.s.robertson@outlook.com for your introductory email and free consultation.
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