Concept feasibility testing
Concept feasibility testing is one of the first steps you should follow when planning to engage in the procurement of ICT-enabled projects and business solutions.
It allows agencies to benefit from the experience of industry subject matter experts to initially assess the viability of a project before any formal tender exercise begins.
Why test feasibility?
One of the key challenges facing the public sector is how to transform policy ideas into the desired outcomes, particularly when this involves ICT-enabled business change.
Concepts that appear straightforward on paper can be extremely difficult to execute, especially when the technology is new or emerging, or when transaction volumes are very high.
Early assessment is an effective way to ensure government investments are optimised and business change projects are delivered successfully.
By enabling you to receive early advice from industry in a confidential, honest and reliable format, concept feasibility testing becomes useful for mitigating project risks.
Information uncovered during the testing will also save time and costs during the next logical step of project procurement process – business planning.
How does it work?
If your business needs require either a large-scale commitment or demanding ICT solution, contact the Department of Housing and Public Works ICT Strategic Sourcing team.
The team can provide assistance by connecting you with ICT industry experts. This will enable you to progress with formal discussions and reporting around the practicality of the idea.
You should not view this process in isolation but rather as part of a wider consultation undertaken by the agency and in partnership with your ICT service provider. It does not replace proof of concept or detailed feasibility study activities, but it is a quick way of providing useful insights into these activities.
Getting started
A list of questions has been created to help you prepare for the meetings.
It is designed to help you articulate the business problems clearly at the first stage of testing:
- What is your core business?
- What is the business problem?
- What is your goal in solving this problem (benefits reporting, customer relations, cost savings)?
- Are you solving a current problem or an anticipated problem?
- Are you planning to extend services or just make existing services more efficient?
- What are your internal and your customers' future needs?
- Do you think you have special needs? If so, why?
- What existing tools or processes do you currently use to solve this problem?
For more information, or to commence concept feasibility testing, contact ictstrategicsourcing@qld.gov.au.
What's next?
Early market engagement is the next step when buying ICT products and services.