Future changes

Federal Technology Service officials plan to launch the Third Generation System (3GS) for Web-based task order management next year [tk]. The chief differences vendors will see are:

* A "soft" re-registration to enter information on 33,000 vendors into the system. Although FTS officials will import as much existing information as possible, 3GS will require companies to designate who is authorized to issue invoices, which they previously may not have had to do.

* An ongoing registration process for changes in information. FTS officials plan to eliminate the requirement that companies submit changes on official letterhead, a process that can take days to complete.

* Itemized order submission. Currently, FTS only tracks the funded portion of a contract, which may not be its total value to the company. The itemized format will allow companies to list line items that have been funded, as well as those that may be added in the future.

* Document management and collaboration. The system will offer collaboration tools so company officials can access documents associated with a particular bid. Although the 3GS system uses collaborative tools, FTS officials will not be able to see documents until the company formally submits its bid.

* An electronic bid process. When a bid opportunity arises, FTS will send an e-mail message to designated officials at the companies being invited to participate. The entire bid process will be conducted online.

* Online order confirmation and invoicing.

Source: Federal Technology Service