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. 00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today00:16 Understanding the Reference Process00:58 Challenges with Company References07:39 Issues with Individual and Project References12:17 Proposed Solutions and Alternatives17:13 Conclusion and Call to Action