In the current technological era, organizations are forced to advance their technological operations in order to remain competitive. In the healthcare sector, such a responsibility could fall in the hands of the public health manager. As such, the manager in question is expected to foresee the implementation of desired technological advancements either in the form of software or hardware.
This initiative must begin only after analyzing the benefits of the Information Technology (IT) project to the organization, as well as, articulating its requirements (O’Carroll, 2008). The manager has to decide whether it would necessary to buy a ready-made system and then customize it or simply construct a new one from scratch. At some point, there will be a need for procurement irrespective of the option chosen.
In line with this, the manager in question must have the knowhow of writing a decent Request for Proposal (RFP) in order to attract potential bidders. This goal can only be met if the manager clearly understand the needs of the project (O’Carroll, 2008).
In order to achieve this, the public health manager must first outline what the system is all about: requirements, purpose and effects. In other words, they should know what can or cannot be done in the presence or absence of the system respectively.
Secondly, it is essential to highlight whether the system will be developed from scratch or if it will be purchased and thereafter customized. The manager should state the exact stage the services he is procuring will be required. For instance, provision of raw materials, technical support, design or maintenance.
Thirdly, cost-budget analysis is important. Having the correct figures will help the manager to know how much the project will cost. In addition, he will know if there is a need to request for additional funding, and what can be accomplished first.
If the manager has all the above facts, he is likely to draft a strong RFP that will attract as any bidders as possible. The most important aspect, when writing the RFP, is to let the potential bidders know the point at which their services will be required, the services they will provide, and the estimated cost.
Reference
O’Carroll, P. (2008). Project Analysis. Retrieved on 17thApril 2014 from http://mym.cdn.laureatemedia.com/2dett4d/Walden/PUBH/6227/06/mm/informaticsmod ules/.
