Here is where you will begin your journey to learn the ins and outs of the acquisition process and prepare for what you may face in the field as a contract manager. Acquisition, also called procurement, refers to the strategic process used to obtain goods and/or services to meet an organization's needs. This project explores key principles of acquisition planning, the importance of the objectives in an acquisition plan, and working as a team. There are many advantages to working in groups, but it is important to consider best practices in teamwork to ensure success. Also, consider team dynamics as you begin working with your team on this project. In this project, you will prepare the Objectives section of an acquisition plan. This will include the following three main elements: Statement of need This introduces the plan by explaining what the need is and justifying how this need calls for the chosen acquisition strategy. Applicable conditions Here, you will describe the conditions that must be met for the acquisition to address the stated need, including constraints on the acquisition such as cost, urgency, and compatibility with existing processes or technology. Delivery requirements This establishes requirements the delivery period of the acquisition, including the ideal schedule, and proposing methods for meeting those requirements. Completing this project will demonstrate your ability to perform research and analyze information to inform acquisitions decisions based on specific market criteria. You will demonstrate your honesty and integrity through ethical reporting. This project is designed to be completed in three weeks. Please read the following fictional scenario, which will set the scene for the workplace situation addressed by this project and the rest of this course. Then, move on to the first discussion, in which you will connect with your team. You have recently been hired as a contract manager for Calum Tech International (CTI). CTI has been a leading government organization in the health care industry for over 10 years, providing hardware, software, and technological support and solutions to health care providers. Thus far, you have been impressed with CTI's ability to manage such an expansive operation. Robyn Jones, CTI's Director of Sales and Marketing, has requested that you work with her on a new project. She is interested in purchasing new cell phones for the 100 employees in her department within the next 60 to 90 days. This purchase must include the phones and related equipment, service, and data plans. She has asked that you collaborate with a team, review CTI's cost summary, and create an acquisition plan. An acquisition plan is a comprehensive document with many sections, so Robyn asks you to start with the Objectives section for now. She stresses the importance of following the established format, for which CTI has a template, and of following the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules for writing an acquisition plan. Discussion: Connect With Your Team So, what's next? Be proactive by meeting with your assigned team as soon as possible, preferably in a synchronous conversation. Use this discussion space to connect with one another and arrange to meet. Try to review Step 4 of the project, which explains the group assignment, before you meet. That way, you can plan together for how to approach group tasks and communication, establish meeting times, and agree on your process for working together. Make sure that each member of your team is contributing equally to the work and that you are communicating regularly about group tasks. You have recently been hired as a contract manager for Calum Tech International (CTI). CTI has been a leading government organization in the health care industry for over 10 years, providing hardware, software, and technological support and solutions to health care providers. Thus far, you have been impressed with CTI's ability to manage such an expansive operation. Robyn Jones, CTI's Director of Sales and Marketing, has requested that you work with her on a new project. She is interested in purchasing new cell phones for the 100 employees in her department within the next 60 to 90 days. This purchase must include the phones and related equipment, service, and data plans. She has asked that you collaborate with a team, review CTI's cost summary, and create an acquisition plan. An acquisition plan is a comprehensive document with many sections, so Robyn asks you to start with the Objectives section for now. She stresses the importance of following the established format, for which CTI has a template, and of following the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules for writing an acquisition plan. Discussion: Connect With Your Team So, what's next? Be proactive by meeting with your assigned team as soon as possible, preferably in a synchronous conversation. Use this discussion space to connect with one another and arrange to meet. Try to review Step 4 of the project, which explains the group assignment, before you meet. That way, you can plan together for how to approach group tasks and communication, establish meeting times, and agree on your process for working together. Make sure that each member of your team is contributing equally to the work and that you are communicating regularly about group tasks. Product: Cell phones = $200 each Quantity: 100 Contract Strategy: Best Value (BV) Period of performance: 60 months Data usage per phone (monthly without contract): $100 60 months = $6,000. Data usage (monthly with contract): $40 60 months = $2,400 Video, text, and similar services: Not applicable to this contract Recycling costs: $75 100 = $7,500 Total product cost: $2,675 to $6,275 per phone; $267,500 to $627,500 for 100 20% Defense Business Operating Fund fee = $53,500 to $125,500 Total potential cost Without data contract = $627,500 + $125,500 = $753,000 With data contract = $267,500 + $53,500 = $321,000