Market Research
Summary
- Well-versed agile vendors should value individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.
- Past performance examples or innovative methods like challenges and demonstrations are ways vendors can prove that they know how to properly use agile techniques.
What to look for in an Agile Vendor
Key Question: How can acquisition professionals identify qualities of agile vendors during market research?
Vendors who are well versed in Agile development appreciate the four values and twelve principles espoused in the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. They work iteratively to design and build digital services, and incorporate regular testing and feedback into their plans. Per the Agile Manifesto, they value individuals and interactiosn over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.
Companies may say they follow agile development methods, but in actuality there are many methods of deploying agile techniques such as Scrum, Lean, DevOps, eXtreme Programming (XP), and DSDM. The only way to truly know if a vendor is well-versed in agile development is to have them prove it, whether through past performance examples or innovative methods like challenges and demonstrations. When performing market research for agile development projects, explore innovative methods like those described in the FAI Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovation, or talk to forward-thinking groups of professionals like those at USDS, 18Fn, or the DHS Procurement Innovation Lab.
Additional resources
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Detecting Agile BS
Learn to identify vendors that can really walk the walk with this DoD guide to Detecting Agile BS
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US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Discover how much tech talent earns by reviewing DOL's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
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GSA Pricing Data Tools
Find awarded contract labor rates and pricing information on Buy.GSA.Gov
A Request for Information (RFI) Format to Find Agile Vendors
Agencies can send out an Request for Information (RFI) with questions designed around reaching non-traditional government sources or those sources who excel in providing digital services. The RFI will then automatically correlate the data and make the response evaluation process easier.
Example of items and language found on Agile development RFI's:
Background
The Government is hoping to identify vendors that can apply mature digital services to federal agencies. As part of this process, this notice s seeking information from vendors to determine which companies have the skills and interest to support this effort. The necessary capabilities needed in support of this requirement are centered on: Agile Development, Design, API Development, Designer, and Front/Back End Development. Please note, this is a Request For Information and Sources Sought. Responses are for informational purposes only; this IS NOT a Request for Quotes (RFQ).
Attachments
Please see attached Statement of Objective for specifics regarding the purpose of this RFI.
Submission
The Government may engage Vendors that respond to this notice by seeking further information about capabilities or even an 8(a) direct award. All responses must be submitted LINK, EMAIL, FORM. Vendor submissions must be received no later than TIME on DATE.
Point of Contact
Government Point of Contact & Email
Company Information
- Business Name As shown in sam.gov
- Point of Contact (Name, Email, and Phone Number)
- Unique Entity ID
- Relevant NAICS
- Relevant GSA Schedules your company holds
- Other relevant ordering vehicles in which your company participates