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Outsource EvaluationOrganizations are increasingly looking to outsourcing, either in whole or in part, as a desirable approach for improving IT services and ensuring currency with rapidly changing technology. The scope of outsourcing can include network infrastructure; network management; platform operations; project management; applications support, naad now, now includes Application Service Provider (ASP) models.
Outsourcing, however, is not a panacea, and its consideration requires careful and thorough analysis.
DCG assists clients with the outsourcing evaluation, prepares the RFP to procure the desired services, and serves as project manager and facilitator through the transitional process. The scope of DCG services included:
- Working with client management to establish outsourcing goals and objectives
- Conducting comprehensive Present Mode of Operation (PMO) review of IT functions considered for outsourcing to gather detailed baseline information (cost, processes, performance measures) required for outsource strategy implementation
- Developing the Request For Proposal(s) or Bid Specification(s) for services to be contracted out, incorporating the scope of services and service/performance measures developed during PMO review
- Identifying prospective vendors/service providers to receive the specification for services
- Assisting in the evaluation and consideration of proposals/bids by serving as facilitator for the proposal/bid review committee process
- Assisting in contract negotiations with process finalists
- Developing, with the selected provider(s), the specific organization plan to integrate the contract service into the client operational structure
- Specifying a Contract Monitoring System to monitor the service/ performance measures of the contract
- Conducting a “post implementation” performance audit
Representative projects include:
Houston Airport System
IT OutsourcingDCG is currently providing outsourcing evaluation and vendor selection services to the Houston Airport System (“HAS”) to outsource aspects of their Information Technology function, consistent with recommendation resulting from an information systems strategic plan effort.
The scope of outsourced services includes applications services, LAN/WAN network services and management, platform/server and LAN operations, and project management and applications development/support.
DCG has worked with HAS executive management to develop outsourcing goals and objectives and has prepared a comprehensive Request For Proposal for outsourcing services.
Houston Police Department
Burglar Alarm Permitting OutsourcingDCG performed a review of system alternatives available to support the proposed change to annual relicensing of burglar alarm permits. The study was prompted by a proposal under consideration to change the permitting cycle from a one-time "perpetual" license to commercial and residential owners of alarm systems to an annual licensing arrangement. During the course of our review, we:
- Reviewed a draft of the proposed City of Houston Alarm Permitting ordinance.
- Identified and documented requirements necessary to meet the proposed alarm permitting and billing operations.
- Identified and analyzed alternative approaches to provide timely systems capabilities to support the new program.
- Presented a report of findings and alternatives to Police Department management.
- Identified possible third party software vendors and attended vendor demonstrations.
Based on the analysis performed, DCG will assist the Police Department in the development of a RFP for outsourcing the alarm licensing, billing, and collection function. The contract was ultimately awarded to EDS.
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