Opportunity Process

Product Identification (Continual Process)

Activities that occur during this time may include, but are not limited to:

• Customer needs, trusted partners recommendations, and vendor submitted suggestions will be used to determine product offerings
• MS-ISAC membership surveys will be utilized to identify needs
• SANS 20 Critical Security Controls will be considered in identifying product ability to meet goals

Opportunity Development (3 weeks)

Activities that occur during this time may include, but are not limited to:

• Trusted Purchasing Alliance develops:
  • Vendor Selection Criteria
  • Product specifications
• Outside analysts are consulted to determine industry leaders
• Pre-arrange contacts with industry leaders

Vendor Outreach (1 month)

Activities that occur during this time may include, but are not limited to:

• Engage identified industry leaders regarding opportunity
• Vendors are given thirty days to respond to the opportunity with a date certain

Vendor Proposal Review (2 weeks)

Activities that occur during this time may include, but are not limited to:

• Product Review Board evaluates bids

Vendor Selection and Negotiation (1-2 months)

Activities that occur during this time may include, but are not limited to:

• Best, low bids are determined
• Chosen vendors are contacted
• Terms and conditions are clarified with chosen vendors
• Contracts are drawn with chosen vendors
• Website and marketing strategy developed for buy
• Contract approval process
• Trusted Purchasing Alliance reserves the right to choose vendors offering the best opportunity for our customers