Short Report: Major, Business Communication

Short Report: Major, Business Communication

Summary of Article

In September of 2011, Franklin County, Pennsylvania determined the county's existing phone system would not support the increase of additional court room phone lines. Normal operating procedures require a bidding process to replace the outdated system. In a Public Opinion news article, Jim Hook noted that "Commissioners were not required to bid the project because they piggybacked it on a state contract price" (A1). Unified Solutions Group's, Chief Operating Office, Ted Guarriello felt that USG's product could save the County $2500.000. He contacted county officials requesting time to submit a proposal before county commissioners approved a vendor. His request was denied. The article quoted Guarriello as saying "Our hope was that the county would at least give us a shot at bidding in an effort to keep the jobs and the spending in the county and to save significant dollars for Franklin County taxpayers" (qtd. in Hook A1). The County responded to the allegation of manipulating the bidding process. County Commissioner David Keller provided the Public Opinion reporters an email itemizing ten reasons that USG's proposal was not pursued based upon the technical strengths, longevity and service quality of the winning vendor's product compared to USG's product and services.

Response to Article

The governmental bidding process prevents gross spending for higher priced purchases or contracts. However, the bidding process can be a long process restricting or preventing government offices from receiving the preferred option. The bidding process requires that the lowest bidder be selected. As in the Franklin County example, timing constraints play a role in vendor selection and the bidding process. Franklin County's phone system needed immediate attention. The county's 2011 budget contained funds that could be used to upgrade the phone system which would not be available in 2012. The three month window for completing the upgrade process would be hindered greatly by adding the bidding process. Although technically manipulative, the reasoning for bypassing the bidding process was necessary to ensure a quality and timely completion of the project.

Career Writing: Why Writing Matters in Public Sector Business Management

Writing skills prove essential for government employees. Often managers compose and write budget proposals, request for proposal, contracts, purchase orders, court documents, project plans, deeds, maintenance request forms, job descriptions and task documentation. Email communications provide documentation and historical timelines of discussions with vendors,