Joint Solutions Procurement (JSP) is one of many buying processes the Purchasing Commission has available for government ministries. The Purchasing Commission has recognized for some time the constraints of regular selection processes such as the Request for Proposal when purchasing Information Technology related goods and services. JSP is one alternative to conventional RFP's that government ministries might like to consider.

What is Joint Solutions Procurement?

JSP is an alternative method of contracting for information technology requirements with a measurable service component.

When can JSP be used?

JSP is generally suitable when the following circumstances exist:

• there is a technology component in the project;

• you haven't quite defined the problem yet and you think private sector involvement is needed to help you;

• time scales are short. A vendor is needed urgently and you are comfortable with selecting a vendor on the basis of capability and then working with that vendor to develop a solution; or

• senior management is comfortable with negotiating contracts as the solution is being developed, and where fair market value versus lowest cost is clearly understood.

In what type of situations would JSP be an option?

• If for example you're not sure how technology can help you and you'd like the opportunity to brain-storm with a capable vendor and, if budget permits, have that vendor deliver the services.

• If you're thinking of a pilot project that might roll-out into a much larger project and you want the flexibility of staying with the pilot supplier.

• If you are intending to bring in a consultant to do a preliminary study to look at feasibility and scope of a proposed project, and feel that a tender would have to be subsequently issued.

How is JSP different from conventional Request for Proposals?

• JSP is simply an alternative procurement process. The actual mechanism for soliciting responses is still a Request for Proposal (RFP) document. The difference is that the objective of the RFP within a JSP process is to choose a capable supplier rather than a fixed solution.

• While in a conventional RFP process document a supplier must provide a solution based on the information given, the JSP process integrates joint supplier/ministry working sessions into the selection process. This allows the supplier to ask specific questions about the ministry problem, while at the same time enabling the ministry to gauge the suitability and capability of the supplier to work with the ministry to develop a joint solution.
  

How is the JSP process structured?

JSP is a two phased process:

• Phase 1 - Selects a supplier based on capability.
  
• Phase 2 - Project implementation.

Is JSP available to all government ministries?

• Yes. If you'd like to learn more about JSP or to discuss possible candidates, please feel free to give us a call.
  
• Mike Kishimoto in Victoria (250) 356-2228