IT Requirements & Procurement

For nearly 20 years, Highlands Consulting has helped our clients define their IT requirements at the right level, based on the project size and phase.

Our IT Planning Methodology (ITPM) begins with high-level business requirements during the IT Planning and Analysis phase. In preparation for procurement and implementation, we then collaborate with our clients to develop detailed requirements that:

  • Consider technical, functional, implementation, and transition needs
  • Incorporate traceability for the eventual implementation
  • Tie to the Statement of Work and high-level business needs
  • Involve the right stakeholders every step of the way

Variety of Expertise

For comprehensive requirements definition, we offer expertise in a variety of areas:

  • Functional, Technical, and Performance Needs
  • Agile / Iterative Methods
  • Design Thinking
  • Organizational Change Management
  • Digital Service Tools
  • Data Conversion Scope
  • Interface Development Needs
  • Training Methods and Tools

Complex Procurements

Highlands Consulting has assisted many government clients with procurement of complex solutions and services. Specifically, we:

  • Advise on the appropriate procurement strategy and plan
  • Develop a comprehensive solicitation document
  • Manage vendor questions, amendments, and communication
  • Facilitate development of the evaluation plan, scoring methodology, and scoring sheets
  • Independently consolidate evaluation detail and verify selection results

Highlands Consulting stays current on procurement best practices as promoted by the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP): The Institute for Public Procurement, and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).

We facilitate approval by the California Department of Technology (CDT) for PAL Stage 3 – Procurement Analysis/Solution Development and Stage 4 – Project Readiness and Approval/Solution Analysis.

What Makes Us Different

While our ITPM provides best practices for requirements definition and procurement support, it is the teamwork between our consultants and clients that promotes selection of the most qualified contractor who will fully meet business and technical objectives.

Example Clients

California Office of System Integration, California Department of Social Services, California Student Aid Commission, CalPERS Health Benefits Branch, California Department of Pesticide Regulation.