PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN A HIGH TECH ERA

The successful application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology relies completely on the ability of software developers and systems integrators (called designated system providers throughout the remainder of this paper) to deliver software based systems on time and within budget that are reliable and functionally responsive to the needs of their users. While many examples exist of the delivery of effective systems, they are rarely delivered on time and within budget, and in all too many instances, they fail to reliably satisfy the functional requirements of their users. These problems cannot be attributed to a single organization or even a single type of organization. Defense contractors have experienced as many problems as those who have traditionally worked in this industry. In addition, the problems cannot be attributed to a single type of system. There are as many problems with signal systems as there are with freeway management systems and advanced traveler information systems. An analysis of the problems that have been occurring throughout the software industry inevitably leads to the conclusion that they are associated with the manner in which software is specified, procured and managed. These steps have been designed for compatibility with the overall procurement process of government rather than compatibility with the unique needs of the software life cycle. This paper addresses the underlying shortcomings of the software systems acquisition process.