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WashingtonExec reached out to Intelligent Decisions (ID) for tips and predictions on what to expect in 2012 as the Federal Government looks to significantly increase adoption of mobile technologies. As a result, the following response was developed by ID Senior Architect and Mobility Expert Greg Eoyang:
The redesign and implementation of drastically different acquisitions strategies for mobility solutions will be necessary if the federal marketplace is to fully realize the widespread adoption of related technologies. Although most agencies are conducting mobile and table pilots, they are mired in 12-24 month acquisitions lifecycles. The majority need to define success criteria for the pilot and create implementation plans based on the lessons learned from the pilot.
The first step is to develop an acquisitions strategy for deploying the solutions that the agency needs as they are identified. Otherwise, the federal space is forever going to have yesterday’s technology and will be missing out on the true capability that everyday citizens can get off the shelf.
One potential solution would be to develop mobile acquisitions contracts, blanket purchase agreements, or indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts with a few qualified contractors who can respond to smaller tasks when the solutions are identified and are needed.
In order to be successful, federal decision-makers must lean on the private sector, which can provide the leadership and speed of execution necessary to implement mobile technologies quickly and effectively.