Category #2 Bundling and Unbundling Workgroup

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file time: 2008-02-16

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Category #2  
Bundling and Unbundling Workgroup  

September 24, 2007

 
 
 

2  

Agenda 

Objectives Definitions Bundled Unbundled Issues Recommendations Appendix Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Definition  
 
 

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Objectives 

What are the industry issues related to supplying software separately or as part of the systems integration procurement?  
 
 

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Definitions 

Bundled Solicitation and Contract:  The solution to the State00 information technology (IT) public policy and business needs are provided by one primary party, the system integrator, who has contracted with the State for completion of the contract.  The system integrator or prime contractor also may have contracted with one or more third-party provider(s) to supply an array of IT goods and/or services necessary to the prime contractor solving the State00 business and/or policy requirements. 
Unbundled Solicitation and Contract:  The solution to the State00 IT public policy and/or business needs is provided by multiple IT suppliers who have each individually contracted with the State for completion of their contracts.  
 
 

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Issues 

There is a lack of understanding as to the implications of bundling and unbundling hardware and software (COTS) products during the development of the RFP, which can result in increased costs to both the State and Vendor. 
Once RFP responses have been received, there is a lack of flexibility to negotiate bundling and unbundling of hardware and software (COTS) products, which can result in decreased competition and increased costs to both the State and Vendor. 
Current contract requirements for bundled software (e.g. terms and conditions for licensing, indemnity and warranty requirements) creates a liability for Vendors that can result in either a 00o bid00decision or increased costs that are passed on to the State.  
 
 

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Recommendations 

There is a lack of understanding as to the implications of bundling and unbundling software during the development of the RFP, which can result in increased costs to both the State and Vendor. The ITPP (Information Technology Procurement Plan) is a DGS mandated document that describes the strategy the project will use in procuring goods and services from a Vendor.  The ITPP is prepared in conjunction with the FSR (Feasibility Study Report).  
 
The ITPP process should be modified to require market analysis be performed twice; once in support of the FSR development and then again prior to the development of the RFP.  Discussions with Vendors during the RFP development process should specifically explore the implications of bundling and unbundling requirements.  It is not reasonable to have this complete of an understanding during the FSR process.  
To better align with the market and best practices, stronger consideration should be given to allow the Vendor to propose a contracting approach whereby the State would contract separately with the hardware/software (COTS) providers.  This would circumvent the current contracting issues (see 3rd issue below) and allow a  
direct relationship between the State and Vendors.  
 
 

7  

Recommendations 

Once RFP responses have been received, there is a lack of flexibility to negotiate bundling and unbundling of hardware and software (COTS) products, which can result in decreased competition and increased costs to both the State and Vendor. Modify RFP and General Provisions contract language in order to allow the Vendor to propose, and the State to consider, an unbundled contracting approach.  This would give the State the flexibility to determine what is in its best interest (at the time of contracting) in regards to bundling and unbundling of hardware and software (COTS) products.  Under the current process if the State selects a Vendor on a large complex project it may be years between the original bundling/unbundling decision and system implementation.  If at the time of design and implementation the market dictates a different software solution, there is no flexibility to make those changes often resulting in increased costs.  
 
 

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Recommendations 

Current contract requirements for bundled software (e.g. terms and conditions for licensing, indemnity and warranty requirements) creates a liability for Vendors that can result in either a 00o bid00decision or increased costs that are passed on to the State. Modify General Provisions that limit/eliminate liability for standard items out of control of the Vendor.  For example hardware being bid by a SI, when it is the manufacturing vendor that should and often times does, provide warranty services; and COTS software (source code) that has standard license agreements & warranties. This recommendation should be referred to the General Provisions workgroup. Contract separately with the hardware/software (COTS) provider and systems integrator whenever possible, thus eliminating the liability and contracting issues for a system integrator and increased costs for the State.  
 
 

Appendix

 
 
 

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Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Definition 

COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) product:  is one that is used "as-is." COTS products are designed to be easily installed and to interoperate with existing system components. Almost all software bought by the average computer user fits into the COTS category: operating systems, office product suites, word processing, and e-mail programs are among the myriad examples. Specific to the State, COTS have taken on several levels of complexity:  Simple COTS implementation (no customization, few or no interfaces) State needs to ensure that the solution can be successfully installed, users are trained, and ongoing updates or issues are resolved. Medium complex COTS implementation (some combination of minor customization, minor interfaces, multiple geographic locations, some configuration, training, ongoing maintenance) State needs to ensure that the solution is installed correctly.  The work could be implemented by the State, the COTS supplier, or a third party.  The State needs to be comfortable with the risk of the implementation strategy selected. Complex project involving one or more COTS solutions (includes a combination of COTS customization, multiple COTS or customer software solutions, multiple interfaces, multiple geographic locations, training, ongoing maintenance) State needs a third party to manage the project, multiple Vendors/suppliers, and  
project risk.

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