Thursday, 13 June 2019

Particulars About Systems Engineering Technical Assistance

By Nancy Allen


System engineering and technical assistance otherwise known as system engineering professional advisers are experts contracted by mission-based government agencies such as the Department of defense. Their role is to work closely with the engineering staffs of the government to provide the required expertise in engineering projects taken by the agencies. In this section, you will discover a couple of facts about systems engineering technical assistance.

The role of these contractors. The hiring agency usually provides an outline of every responsibility that the hired contractor supposed to assume the task at hand should consider. However, there are specific roles that cut across most contracts. For instance, the agency might require the firm to analyze a particular requirement, provide independent verification and validation and monitoring and evaluating performance. Agencies usually agree to requests from companies that fall under their expectations.

Usage of SETA as a common acronym. The Department of Defense has been using the term SETA for quite a long duration. The abbreviation is part of the listed acronym provided in most technical documents related to mission-based technical applications. Therefore, it is a common name that those involved in recruiting this sort of service providers.

Contracting criteria. The contracting agency might require a formal request for information (RFI) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) from any firm that expects to get an opportunity. A SETA contractor might also get involved in contracting other firms as an intermediate agency in recruiting actions that might help in managing other operations. To avoid conflict of interest during the hiring process, the agency uses a Non-disclosure Agreements.

Acquisition policy. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR) provides the strategies needed in acquiring a SETA contractor. The central policies being the Federal Acquisition Regulations defines the regulations in different sections. For instance, in the article 37.2 explains the advisory and assistance services. It provides the use of such services in a way that improves the prospect for success.

Guidelines for selecting the best company. As soon as the hiring agency accepts the request for proposal from every applicant, they develop criteria to narrow down on potential candidates. Some common ways used to determine a potential candidate is the extent of services that one can provide, accreditation, and experience. Its tradition for such agencies to contact companies that they have shortlisted for further interviews.

How to improve the Department of Defense organic capabilities. There are different ways to enhance the acquisition of these services. One of the methods is reaching out to the organic capabilities of the DOD. Ways to improve include increasing the objectivity and allowing leverage of the DOD in existing infrastructure. The Defense Department should also reduce challenges that come as a result of inadequate requirement specifications.

Development of Independent SETA firms. There is a need to develop this sort of services for efficiency in service delivery and cut down the costs as well. Ways to develop their independence are increasing the potential for best value solution and increase competition and reduce cost. The hiring agency should also balance private-sector and organization conflict of interest (OCI).




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment