By Nancy Allen


Mission-based agencies have a lot of complex systems that they deal with. In such a case, they have to hire technical assistance and advisers to help them out in procurement and usage of such systems. It is recommendable to understand these service providers to get the best out of them. Continue reading this article to acquaint with details about systems engineering technical assistance.

The role of these contractors. The hiring agency usually provides an outline of every responsibility that the hired contractor supposed to assume the task at hand should consider. However, there are specific roles that cut across most contracts. For instance, the agency might require the firm to analyze a particular requirement, provide independent verification and validation and monitoring and evaluating performance. Agencies usually agree to requests from companies that fall under their expectations.

The use of an acronym SETA. The DOD started using the term SETA to describe this sort of service provider since 1995. The abbreviation has been common across the years and is among the technical acronyms provided by this Department. The acronym falls at the guide for the process and integrated products.

Contracting criteria. The contracting agency might require a formal request for information (RFI) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) from any firm that expects to get an opportunity. A SETA contractor might also get involved in contracting other firms as an intermediate agency in recruiting actions that might help in managing other operations. To avoid conflict of interest during the hiring process, the agency uses a Non-disclosure Agreements.

Regulations used in applications. The acquisition of a professional service provider requires a lot of strict and rigorous selection procedure. Therefore, there are regulations provided by agencies in charge of this process to ascertain the correct choice. Documents that provide insight into the hiring criteria include the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations, DOD and the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The main highlights of regulations to consider are in section 37 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

How to narrow down to the most reasonable company. The hiring agency must come up with selection criteria that will help them get down to the most logical choice. So. A lot of companies would consider their option according to various aspects. These aspects include the sort of reputation that a firm has, the level of services it can offer, and its certifications.

Ways to improve the capabilities of agencies involved in hiring. The recruitment of these service provider requires improvement to ensure that they offer a cost-effective service. The Department of defense should focus on aspects such as maintaining objectivity in their hiring process and allowing enough leverage in their existing infrastructure. They should also deal with challenges that result from inadequacy in specifying the requirements of their recruitment.

Development of Independent SETA firms. There is a need to develop this sort of services for efficiency in service delivery and cut down the costs as well. Ways to develop their independence are increasing the potential for best value solution and increase competition and reduce cost. The hiring agency should also balance private-sector and organization conflict of interest (OCI).




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