ProcNet

Procurement Network (ProcNet)
Fact Sheet

ProcNet is World Class Electronic Commerce Web Site

Summary

Using inexpensive, powerful, OpenSource and commercial software with open interfaces (i.e. Apache web server, MySQL and Adobe ColdFusion) on Windows 2003 Server, it is now possible to have an OpenSource decentralized electronic commerce web site at each Major Subordinate Command with a backend database. Business process automation and logic are built with ColdFusion which allows the end user, in one, simple step, to create and submit notices to the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) while simultaneously building a solicitation database and index that automatically feeds the Army Single Face to Industry (ASFI) Solicitation Index. End users can, at their convenience, upload their solicitation to the Web Site using an automated Upload Program.

SITE NEUTRAL: ProcNet allows worldwide Industry to view all of Solicitations by either searching the Federal Business Opportunities or other Agency Index (i.e. ASFI Solicitation Index). At the same time, the local procurement office retains complete control of the web server and the solicitation data being uploaded and managed. The Web site can either be decentralized or centralized across an Agency or procurement office. The choice belongs to each Agency’s procurement office.

BROWSER NEUTRAL: ProcNet is browser neutral and Section 508 compliant.

WEBMASTER MANAGEMENT: It's commercial technology minimizes the burden on webmasters, allowing contracting activities to manage and tailor the site to meet their unique commodity and business process requirements. Dependency on third party web administrators to update and change web pages to reflect latest solicitation information is non-existence due to ProcNet's backend automation

SEARCH CAPABILITY: ProcNet has a solicitation search engine which allows industry to find the solicitations that they are interested in based on solicitation number, description, etc.. Each solicitation is prefaced with a copy of the FedBizOpps Solicitation Notice published in the Federal Business Opportunities. This allows contractors to verify interest in the solicitation without having to download files. An expanded search capability will allow industry to select only those solicitations concerned with a specific business area

SCALEABILITY: ProcNet offers low support costs while it's open architecture allows interface to any system, new or legacy. ProcNet's backend programming tools and database (Cold Fusion, MySQL) are scaleable, aligns with existing DoD strategies, and can be used in conjunction with FedBizOpps, ASFI, and the new Standard Procurement System (SPS).

WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT: ProcNet is designed to accommodate the needs of the users by employing workflow management and a toolbox approach. User-friendly Toolbox type menus laid out in a procurement workflow.

TOOLBOX: Most importantly, the system was designed to capture the entire procurement process from market research request through contract signature, distribution and management.

SPECIAL AUTOMATED TOOLS:

FedBizOpps Notice Generation Tool
Solicitation Upload Tool
Searchable Solicitation Index
Bidders Mailing List
Amendment Notification Module
Proposal Repository

Proposal Repository and Bid Room:

Proposals: Contractors can e-mail their digitized proposals directly to the Contracting Officer from the solicitation module. Each solicitation is prefaced with the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) Notice and an e-mail hyperlink to the Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist who generated the solicitation.

PROGRAMMING: ProcNet was developed using ColdFusion. For backend databases, ProcNet uses MySQL, which support Java Database Connectivity (JDBC).

USING PROCNET: Both industry and Government users only require Internet access and a standard web browser to use the system.

CUSTOMER/USER SUPPORT: ProcNet has both a technical support and user feedback web page to keep support costs at a minimum.

PROCNET BENEFITS:

Industry and Government cycle time and operational costs associated with solicitation replication and mailing.
Use of World Wide Web & Existing, Low Cost Commercial Products & Technologies
Provide for a Rapid Implementation
Use a Cost Effective Solutions
Provide Industry with a One-Stop Source for Agency-Wide Business Opportunities
Maintain Individual Command’s Autonomy Over Their Procurement Data and Management
Secure Document Transmission and Document Integrity
Scaleable to other platforms

PROCNET POC:

pica.procnet@conus.army.mil

Procurement Network (ProcNet) Fact Sheet

ProcNet is World Class Electronic Commerce Web Site

Procurement Network (ProcNet)
Fact Sheet