Discussion: Learning Activity 1 - Final Actions
Discussionlearning Activity 1one Of The Final Actions A Co Must Do B
Discussion: Learning Activity #1 One of the final actions a CO must do before making an award is to determine that a contractor is responsible as defined by the FAR. What are some of the things the CO should look for in a contractor to make that determination? Response 1: Contracting Officer’s (CO) make award determinations as outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. One of the final actions before making an award decision is to conclude that a contractor is responsible. There are seven very specific qualities that a contractor exhibits, or possesses, that allow them to meet the threshold to be determined responsible by the CO. They are outlined in FAR part 9.104-1, and listed below: 1. Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them 2. Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments 3. Have a satisfactory performance record 4. Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics 5. Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them. 6. Have the necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them. 7. Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations (Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR], Part 9.104-1). While all of the qualities outlined in FAR part 9.104-1 are uniquely important, I found that they can be generalized into a few main ideas; resources, demonstrated ability, and legality. I see bullets one and six as resources concern, while bullets two, three, four, and five can be grouped as demonstrated ability. Doing so leaves only bullet seven to cover legal concerns, although bullet four could go here as well. But generally speaking, a CO must determine that a contractor has sufficient resources, demonstrated ability, and no legal restrictions to be deemed responsible. Response 2: According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Contractors must have many responsibilities they must meet to win a contract. Some of these responsibilities include: Having adequate financial resources to perform the contract; Have a satisfactory performance record; Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics and; Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (2017). This is a selection of the criteria that a contractor must meet. You can tell by reading through the list that not just any contract can win a contract; you must meet some specific requirements. Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 C.F.R. § 9.104. Discussion: Post-Implementation Evaluations can prove to be quite an effective tool, in determining if the deployed system fulfills the needs (requirements) that were anticipated by the user community. In addition, the evaluation verifies whether (or not) the system produces the anticipated benefits. Using the requirements that were established, the evaluation includes feedback in the following areas: 1. Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the IS output 2. User satisfaction 3. System reliability and maintainability 4. Adequacy of system controls and security measures 5. Hardware efficiency and platform performance 6. Performance of the IT team (analysis, engineering, programmers, etc.) 7. Completeness and quality of documentation 8. Quality and effectiveness of training 9. Accuracy of cost-benefit estimates 10. Accuracy of development and implementation schedules Your Assignment (as a response to this topic): Select three (3) of the evaluation areas listed, and, in your own words, explain why this information would serve as important feedback to the systems analyst, as well as the project manager and his or her support staff. Be concise in your response; give examples, and cite your resources. Response 1: System Analyst does analyze feedback and consider feedback and makes changes according to the feedback received. Feedback from users demonstrates user satisfaction, provides knowledge about system reliability and maintainability. It helps with collecting data for better understanding of hardware efficiency and platform performance. It also provides knowledge of the project to the project manager and to the support staff. It helps with improving management or whatever operations. E.g., if in a collected feedback a complaint about a lack of documentation occurs frequently - then we explicitly receive a motivation for improvement of documentation for a system or a project. Every listed area is important and feedback related to the listed areas is important and provides a whole system depicted in more details which results in better understanding of the system and its peculiarities, specificities. And that results in better chances to improve, maintain, analyze, enhance and optimize the system successfully. Response 2: User Satisfaction: User satisfaction surveys are an important tool to improving a system based on users feedback. Both the system analyst and project manager can use these surveys to develop enhancements to make the system more effective or to correct bugs that users detect during their normal operations. System Reliability and Maintainability: System reliability and maintainability are important considerations for an organization as they plan out the future of IS. If a system costs too much to maintain or it is constantly down due to issues, the organization might determine it's time to replace it with something more efficient. A system analyst would use this information to help make the CIO and CFO make informed decisions regarding the removal of potential systems. Adequacy of System Controls and Security Measures: Getting feedback on the state of system controls and security measures is important to ensure the protection of sensitive company or customer information. The system analyst and project manager could use this information to create hot fixes to the system to strengthen security or conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Paper For Above instruction
Effective evaluation of information systems (IS) post-implementation is vital for understanding whether the deployed system meets the actual needs of users and the organization, as well as ensuring it performs efficiently, securely, and reliably. Post-implementation evaluations provide continuous feedback, which is indispensable for ongoing improvements and strategic decision-making. This essay explores three critical evaluation areas—user satisfaction, system reliability and maintainability, and system controls and security measures—and discusses why these areas serve as essential feedback sources for the systems analyst, project manager, and support staff.
1. User Satisfaction
User satisfaction is a fundamental component of post-implementation evaluation because users are the primary stakeholders experiencing the system daily. Surveys and direct feedback mechanisms reveal the extent to which the system meets user needs, ease of use, and overall satisfaction. For example, if users consistently report difficulties navigating the interface or lack of necessary features, these insights guide the systems analyst and project manager in prioritizing changes to improve usability and functionality. Satisfied users are more likely to utilize the system effectively, promoting productivity and reducing resistance to change. Furthermore, feedback on bugs or issues encountered during routine operations allows timely corrective actions, which enhance the system’s effectiveness and user confidence (Davis, 1989). Recognizing areas of dissatisfaction helps in making user-centered improvements, thus increasing the likelihood of the system's long-term success and acceptance.
2. System Reliability and Maintainability
System reliability and maintainability are critical for ensuring continuous operations and minimizing downtime that can disrupt organizational activities. Reliable systems that require less frequent maintenance reduce operational costs and improve user trust in the technology. For instance, if a system frequently crashes, causes outages, or demands extensive repairs, the organization may consider replacing or upgrading the system. Feedback regarding system reliability provides the project manager and IT support staff with metrics to evaluate the system’s robustness and the effectiveness of maintenance protocols (Lehman & Belady, 1985). Such insights facilitate informed decisions about investing in system upgrades, replacement, or process improvements. Effective maintenance strategies of reliable systems, in turn, contribute to operational continuity, customer satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.
3. System Controls and Security Measures
In the modern technological environment, system security is paramount due to the increasing threats of cyberattacks and data breaches. Feedback about the effectiveness of system controls and security measures enables the organization to identify vulnerabilities and address shortcomings proactively. For example, if penetration testing or real-world incidents reveal weak access controls or data encryption lapses, the systems analyst can recommend immediate patches and enhancements. Regular assessment of security measures ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards (ISO/IEC 27001, 2013) and protects sensitive information, maintaining organizational reputation and stakeholder trust. Moreover, ongoing feedback about control effectiveness allows for continuous security improvement, which is vital in adapting to evolving cyber threats. Therefore, security-related feedback is indispensable for maintaining a resilient and trustworthy information system (Anderson, 2020).
Conclusion
In conclusion, post-implementation evaluations are crucial for identifying areas for improvement that support organizational objectives and enhance user experience. Focusing on user satisfaction, system reliability and maintainability, and system controls and security measures provides comprehensive insights that help systems analysts, project managers, and support staff make informed decisions. These evaluation areas ensure that IS continues to serve organizational needs efficiently, securely, and effectively, ultimately contributing to sustained organizational success and technological resilience.
References
- Anderson, R. (2020). Cybersecurity and cyber resilience: Building an effective security strategy. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(2), 45-59.
- Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340.
- ISO/IEC 27001. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements. International Organization for Standardization.
- Lehman, M. M., & Belady, L. A. (1985). Program evolution: Processes of software change. Academic Press.