FEATURE
WHAT ARE THE ODDS? How to Manage Supplier Selection BY KRISTIAN NIELSEN
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n this booming industry, there is no shortage of developers with a dream. Every planned system comes from someone with a twinkle of innovation in their eye. They see an opportunity someone else has not. These innovators come from every corner of the world, some experienced and some branching into a new industry. As consultants, it is our job to help identify and bridge the gaps organizations have in the industry —from providing third-party due diligence during the engineering of a system, to advocating the owners’ interests during the physical survey or installation. The needs of owners are wide and varying, but the single most common need is providing expert support for the selection of the right supplier for the system. The selection of the right supplier for a system is both complicated and simple. There are many moving parts to the process, but with adequate management, the selection and award of the supply contract is a smooth-moving machine.
WHERE DO I START?
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As with all contract bidding efforts, a Request for Proposal (RFP) package is the first step. The RFP Package forms the cornerstone of the system development. The RFP package must include the purchaser’s technical requirements, the terms and conditions of contract, scheduleand other essential parameters under which the supplier will deliver the system. The RFP package provides the basis from which a contract will be created and must fully represent the purchaser’s requirements. A well-written RFP package with no contradictions between commercial, technicaland marine requirements makes the roles and responsibilities of all parties clear and facilitates a smooth, on-time delivery of the system. The completed RFP package will include: • Cover Letter • Instructions to Tenderers • Tenderers’ Submission Check List • Draft Terms and Conditions of Contract • Technical Requirements • Marine Requirements • QA Requirements