IT Requirements & Procurement

For over 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

We have also stayed ahead of the curve with emerging tools and methods, such as Agile development, offering 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
  • Develop a comprehensive solicitation document
  • Manage vendor questions, amendments, and communication
  • Facilitate development of the evaluation plan and scoring methodology
  • 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 of PAL Stage 3 and 4 work products, to promote solution selection and organizational readiness.

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, Caltrans, California Department of Public Health, CalPERS Health Benefits Branch, California Department of Pesticide Regulation.