A 2007 to do list

What contractors need to do today to get ready for the coming of Government 2.0, when the public sector operates in a more mission-driven, collaborative and results-oriented way, as compiled by Government Futures.

Today's environment

Information about contract awards, spending and vendor performance is stale, generalized and hard to come by.

Arms-length, cumbersome and secretive procurements perpetuate incumbency
regardless of performance. Over 40 percent of contract awards evaluate only one vendor.

Government-owned application systems are expensive to acquire, operate, modify and rehost.

Market is dominated by IT and engineering companies who understand mission requirements.

Government 2.0

Detailed and timely information is required and is broadly available and widely scrutinized, creating transparency.

Transparent, performance-based relationships with preferred vendors and rapid competition improve quality, innovation and costs.

Systems are wrapped into outsourced mission support. Software is provided as a service with frequent releases.

Market dominance is shared with mission-performing companies that understand IT.

Action needed

Be able to demonstrate improved mission performance. Prepare for increased risk.

Cultivate trust relationships with customers and sharpen your pencils.

Prepare to eat your own dog food.

Target future mission areas and develop staff, qualifications and relationships.