E36: Can We Improve the Procurement Reference Process?
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the complexities and frustrations of the reference process within government procurement. They explore different perspectives on the necessity and challenges of obtaining company and project references. The discussion highlights the issues with verifying past work, especially due to the mobility of personnel and non-disclosure agreements in industries like cybersecurity. Russell and Jennifer propose potential solutions, such as using attestation letters or maintaining a database of references to avoid repetitive verification. The conversation also covers the administrative burden and expenses associated with the current referencing system, emphasizing a need for reform. They suggest adopting a more flexible approach, similar to federal practices and propose piloting new methods to test their effectiveness in reducing project failures while saving time and costs.
Episode 36 of the Gov Tech Today podcast, hosted by Russell Lowery, titled "E36: Can We Improve the Procurement Reference Process?" was published on October 8, 2024 and runs 17 minutes.
October 8, 2024 ·17m · Gov Tech Today
Summary
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the complexities and frustrations of the reference process within government procurement. They explore different perspectives on the necessity and challenges of obtaining company and project references. The discussion highlights the issues with verifying past work, especially due to the mobility of personnel and non-disclosure agreements in industries like cybersecurity. Russell and Jennifer propose potential solutions, such as using attestation letters or maintaining a database of references to avoid repetitive verification. The conversation also covers the administrative burden and expenses associated with the current referencing system, emphasizing a need for reform. They suggest adopting a more flexible approach, similar to federal practices and propose piloting new methods to test their effectiveness in reducing project failures while saving time and costs.
Episode Description
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the complexities and frustrations of the reference process within government procurement. They explore different perspectives on the necessity and challenges of obtaining company and project references. The discussion highlights the issues with verifying past work, especially due to the mobility of personnel and non-disclosure agreements in industries like cybersecurity. Russell and Jennifer propose potential solutions, such as using attestation letters or maintaining a database of references to avoid repetitive verification. The conversation also covers the administrative burden and expenses associated with the current referencing system, emphasizing a need for reform. They suggest adopting a more flexible approach, similar to federal practices and propose piloting new methods to test their effectiveness in reducing project failures while saving time and costs.
00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today
00:16 Understanding the Reference Process
00:58 Challenges with Company References
07:39 Issues with Individual and Project References
12:17 Proposed Solutions and Alternatives
17:13 Conclusion and Call to Action
Similar Episodes
Apr 8, 2026 ·29m
Mar 25, 2026 ·28m
Mar 18, 2026 ·30m
Mar 16, 2026 ·23m
Mar 11, 2026 ·15m
Feb 23, 2026 ·13m