Proposals pour in for Navy e-business
The Navy has received more than 300 proposals for pilot ebusiness projects designed to improve the way the service operates.
In less than two months, the Navy eBusiness Operations Office has received
more than 300 proposals for pilot e-business projects designed to improve
the way the service operates.
The office, which officially opened its doors in October, oversees certain
Navy e-commerce programs — including smart cards and purchase cards — and
acts as a clearinghouse for emerging e-business technologies.
The office received $20 million this fiscal year to spend on Navy and
Marine Corps pilot projects that will test new e-business technologies
and their applicability across all functional areas.
Pilot projects must be projects that can be demonstrated in 90 to 120
days, cost no more than $1 million and have "far-reaching impact" across
the two services, said Rear Adm. Linda Bird, director of the eBusiness
Operations Office and vice commander of the Naval Supply Systems Command,
based in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
The proposals received so far have been wide-ranging, Bird said. They
include a Web-based system that allows Navy and Marine Corps employees to
make moving and relocation arrangements from any PC. Another proposal uses
radio-frequency technology to help track inventory in storerooms.
The office is evaluating the proposals and should select the initial
pilot projects for funding in the next 30 days, said Charles Nemfakos, Navy
deputy undersecretary. It expects to fund no more than 50 this fiscal year,
but is constantly accepting proposals via its Web site.
Nemfakos said he hopes that the private sector "comes to us with ideas"
on the latest e-business technologies. The Defense Department does not want
to build a new infrastructure, but intends to rely on the private sector
to provide solutions, he said.
"It's important for the private sector to understand that we are changing
the culture," he said. "We want to gather the best ideas that are out there."
NEXT STORY: DOD procurement chief: Just deliver