Contractor Selection & Making Better Predictions
Started by Matthew Fleharty · Sep 2, 2016 · 2 replies
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Matthew Fleharty
Sep 2, 2016 · 9y ago
On my way into work this morning, NPR aired a segment on making better predictions (http://www.npr.org/2016/09/01/492203116/want-to-make-better-predictions-researchers-explore-where-we-go-wrong). The research (http://repository.upenn.edu/edissertations/1074/) was focused on predicting sporting events and in cases where more details were given or required to be assessed, individuals made (some) worse predictions. Disclaimer: I haven't completely read the dissertation (it's an EOFY work day and the dissertation is 200+ pgs...), but I couldn't help sharing due to its applicability to the contractor selection process, which is ultimately a predictive process itself. Assuming these issues/difficulties are also present in the contractor selection process, the large amounts information/data requested from contractors could not only be wasteful (in that it doesn't help the acquisition team make a better decision team) it might actually be harmful (in that it results in a worse prediction). Thoughts?
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Guest Vern Edwards
Sep 2, 2016 · 9y ago
Every source selection decision is a prediction. There are two keys to making better source selection decisions: (1) choose the right evaluation factors and (2) request the right information in proposals. Ninety-nine percent of agencies haven't figured that out. If they had, the "narrative" "technical proposal," the essay contest, would have all but disappeared long ago.
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Don Mansfield
Sep 2, 2016 · 9y ago
Matthew,
I heard the same story this morning and had the same thought. However, I couldn't find the article. Thanks for posting it.