This stage of the vehicle acquisition process must involve comparing the needs identified with the options selected, by matching up the technical specifications with the technical and economic bid of the equipment suppliers, as well as the supporting measures (maintenance, etc.) that they are able to offer. For the buyer, this overview should give rise to a “shortlist” of suppliers that can fulfil the request and the possibility of completing it in view of the technical characteristics and options of equipment on offer.
The supplier’s ability to respond also comes into play. If a vehicle seems perfect for the local context but, for technical, strategic or other reasons, the manufacturer cannot respond to the invitation to tender, it might as well not be included in the reflection.
Related questions
- Was this step completed and if so by whom? Were any specialists from a central procurement office called upon to provide services?
- Have manufacturers with an offer that could fulfil my request already been identified?
- Have opportunities for improving my technical specifications been identified? If so, for which facilities?
- Does the sourcing push towards opting for “high-tech” equipment (ticketing, passenger information, etc.) ? Are all the elements needed to assess their operation and maintenance available?
- Have the services of consultant technicians (“AMO”) been called upon to complete and finalise the technical specifications?
- Beyond the technical components, have decisions been made regarding the elements that will be included in the negotiation and the contractual relationship: prices, guarantees, after-sales service, etc. ?
- Are the specifications adopted both specific and broad enough to encourage competition between manufacturers, with a view to submitting technically compliant offers at the market price?
- Overall, has the the specification document been validated?
