IT Investments

considering the continually increasing dependency of the world on Information Technology, is it not a propriety that the IRR cover the pecularities of IT Investments related transactions such as software and licenses procurement, applications development outsourcing, and the likes? Or maybe there already are, but the applicability are not too clear yet?

So, does that mean Sir, that you also recognize the the need for a more appropriate procurement method for IT investments?

Thank you again Sir for taking time to read and answer my query.

Actually Sir, I wouldn't really say the R.A. 9184 is inappropriate for IT initiatives. I was thinking more in the line of GPPB formulating supplementary guidelines to define baseline requirements so as to protect the government agencies from inherent risks of Information Technology such as obsolescence, Security breach, Privacy issues, etc.

I am also not sure if GPPB is the right body to tackle this, but I think there should be an agency to administer such matters.

Stitch wrote:Thank you again Sir for taking time to read and answer my query.

Actually Sir, I wouldn't really say the R.A. 9184 is inappropriate for IT initiatives. I was thinking more in the line of GPPB formulating supplementary guidelines to define baseline requirements so as to protect the government agencies from inherent risks of Information Technology such as obsolescence, Security breach, Privacy issues, etc.

I am also not sure if GPPB is the right body to tackle this, but I think there should be an agency to administer such matters.

There are really a number of issues on ICT procurement, such as proprietary vs against reference to brand name, ownership issues on softwares, renewal of software licenses, ownership of source codes, proper mode of procurement for different ICT projects, price should not be lone basis for evaluating ICT, software development and software customization, etc. etc.

I think the CICT is closely coordinating with the GPPB on some of these issues.

I suggest you start a topic on issues on ICT procurement encountered by different procuring entities, how could these be resolved and also for the information of the GPPB.

Thank you Sir RDV.

I was actually wondering if GPPB's concern is limited to the procurement process itself? Meaning, selection of vendor/supplier, pricing, and delivery? And as to Project Management beyond procurement, GPPB is no longer concerned? Or, more accurately, maybe GPPB sees the HOPEs accountable as to the necessity and appropriateness of whatever is to be purchased? And after procurement, as to the performance and/or objective attainment of an initiative, ICT or otherwise? Just my perception maybe?

That is what I am thinking too, Sir Engrjhez, however, maybe it wouldn't hurt, with our country to gain, if all government agencies are required/prescribed to adopt a Project Management Framework to adhere to? Otherwise, the effort of one agency, or the lack of it, may nullify the efforts of the other?

What I am trying to say is,maybe this is an example of a task, "Somebody thinks it is Somebody else's job"? Made evident by your having mentioned several agencies, supposedly tasked with the job? No specific agency to point to, right?

Sometimes, we should also be aware of the status of the whole picture in our efforts towards the attainment of our goals and not just be content of the thought that, "as long as we are doing our job!"

My apologies if that sounded too aggressive! Forced of habit of being an Auditor, to ensure that one task connects to the other without leaving a vulnerabilty available for exploitation.

Just my opinion, Sir!

Stitch wrote:Thank you Sir RDV.

I was actually wondering if GPPB's concern is limited to the procurement process itself? Meaning, selection of vendor/supplier, pricing, and delivery? And as to Project Management beyond procurement, GPPB is no longer concerned? Or, more accurately, maybe GPPB sees the HOPEs accountable as to the necessity and appropriateness of whatever is to be purchased? And after procurement, as to the performance and/or objective attainment of an initiative, ICT or otherwise? Just my perception maybe?

Definitely, GPPB's concern is not limited only to the procurement process. It's responsibility coverns the whole gamut of "matters affecting public procurement" (that would mean before, during and after procurement). Among the duties and responsibilities of the GPPB under Sec. 63.1 of IRR-A follows:

• To protect national interest in all matters affecting public procurement, having due regard to the country’s regional and international obligations;

• To formulate and amend public procurement policies, rules and regulations, and amend, whenever necessary, this IRR-A;

• To ensure the proper implementation by procuring entities of the Act, this IRR-A and all other relevant rules and regulations pertaining to public procurement;

• To conduct an annual review of the effectiveness of the Act and recommend any amendments thereto, as may be necessary.

In effect, the concern for the selection of supplier is also covered. For example, through a GPPB Resolution, only those registered in the PhilGEPS are now allowed to participate in the public bidding process. It provides standards or guidelines on the proper determination of ABC (pricing) and delivery also (you can infer that from the PBDs). In other words, its responsibility is quite wide and I don't see why ICT could not be covered as well.

As a matter of fact, I have information that CICT is closely coordinating with GPPB on matters pertaining to ICT procurements as CICT has been given the mandate under E.O. 269, in answer to the constitutional provision that "The State shall recognize the vital role of communications and information in nation-buiding." (Sec. 24, Art. II, 1987 Philippine Constitution)

That's really encouraging to know Sir RDV!

Thank you again!

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168426/RP-has-new-information-technology-commissioner

Hi Sir RDV! I heard there is a pending bill for the creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

I hope if it eventually happens, the groundworks for the alignment of all Government Agencies' Information Systems Strategic Plan gainst the Government Information Systems Strategic Plan will be established.