Advisory expert system on computer procurement

Abstract

This thesis suggests to formalize the use of an 1ntegrated computer system procurement approach for government departments. W1thin the agency, th1s 1ntegrated approach fortifies understanding and cooperat1on between the executives and the data processing professionals during theprocurement exercise. Externally, it encourages more formal interactions between the acquiring agencies and the vendors. The pre-qualification presentation and preliminary shortlist1ng stage in this integrated procurement approach 1s also aimed at tapping up-to-date computing technology information from the vendors. This will enhance the chance of securing a good computer system. To streamline the 1mplementation of this integrated procurement approach, an Adv1sory Computer Procurement and Evaluation System (ACPES) was developed using VP-Expert Shell. ACPES g1ves adv1ce and gu1delines on init1al system study, request for solut1ons from vendors, short-listing of vendors, tender document preparation, and select1on of proposal evaluation methodology. A copy of ACPES is available through the Computer Science Department of Oklahoma State Un1versity.