Procedure for Systemwide Procurement of Electronic Resources
The review process, designed as a guideline for systemwide procurement of information resources, forms the basis for the EAR Committee's evaluation of vendor proposals. The process is divided into distinct phases including:
- Identification of new or existing resources by any individual with the CSU community (upon notification SEIR is charged with investigating the product or service and making its findings known to the Committee).
- Contacting the provider for information regarding the product or service (SEIR will keep the Committee informed with regard to any discussion or negotiation which may take place during this preliminary investigative phase).
- At the conclusion of its fact gathering, the EAR Committee will make its decision to either continue further investigation or terminate the discussion.
- Vendor is invited to present a demonstration of the resource to the Committee following which a limited trial period of actual product use may occur.
- Each member of the Committee submits their written evaluation of the product or service (results are compiled and shared with others within the buying community).
- Upon positive evaluation, SEIR enters into more intensive discussion with provider with respect to terms and conditions of the proposed offer.
- Each potential CSU buyer is offered the opportunity to examine the details of the offer and, often, to physically sample the product or service under consideration.