Flexible data store for implementing a streamlined acquisition process

Abstract

Methods and systems for seamlessly integrating an end-to-end acquisition process using a flexible data structure are disclosed. A flexible data structure consistent with these methods and systems may connect the buyer's requirement to the vendor's proposed solution, facilitating a requirement-by-requirement evaluation process allowing buyers to evaluate content as well as price of a proposal. Embodiments of the present invention standardize the format of proposals, allowing buyers to more easily compare vendors' proposals side-by-side. Still other embodiments of the present invention produce an error checking report to further aid vendors in improving proposals and buyers in evaluating proposals.

1 .- 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A computer-implemented method for facilitating a process for a first entity to make an acquisition, the method comprising the following operations performed by at least one processor:
 receiving requirements for the acquisition from the first entity;   presenting a request for proposal generated based on the requirements to one or more second entities;   receiving information associated with a proposed solution to the request for proposal from at least one of the one or more second entities;   linking the information associated with the proposed solution to the requirements; and   providing a notice to at least one of the first entity or the one or more second entities when a deficiency exists between the information associated with the proposed solution and the requirements.   
     
     
         23 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 22 , wherein receiving the requirements comprises:
 receiving a selection of a requirement from a library of requirements including one or more of: requirements previously received from the first entity; requirements specified by a government regulation; and standard acquisition requirements.   
     
     
         24 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 22 , wherein receiving the requirements comprises:
 providing a requirements template to the first entity via an interactive tool;   receiving a particular requirement from the first entity via the requirements template;   determining whether the particular requirement conforms to the requirements template; and   storing the particular requirement in a data structure, when the particular requirement conforms to the requirements template.   
     
     
         25 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 22 , wherein the first entity is a buyer and the one or more second entities include one or more potential vendors. 
     
     
         26 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 22 , the method further comprising the following operation performed by the at least one processor:
 enabling the first entity to compile a conformance matrix based on at least one of the information associated with the proposed solution or the requirements.   
     
     
         27 . A computer-implemented interactive acquisition system configured to enable a first entity to make an acquisition, comprising:
 a memory configured to store instructions; and   a processor configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive requirements for the acquisition from the first entity; 
 present a request for proposal generated based on the requirements to one or more second entities; 
 receive information associated with a proposed solution to the request for proposal from at least one of the one or more second entities; 
 link the information associated with the proposed solution to the requirements; and 
 provide a notice to at least one of the first entity or the one or more second entities when a deficiency exists between the information associated with the proposed solution and the requirements. 
   
     
     
         28 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , further comprising a database configured to:
 store one or more requirements previously received from the first entity; and   store one or more proposed solutions previously proposed by the one or more second entities.   
     
     
         29 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 28 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 retrieve, from the database, a requirement previously received from the first entity; and   present the retrieved requirement to the first entity.   
     
     
         30 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 apply a standard format to display the request for proposal.   
     
     
         31 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive information relating to evaluation criteria or rules from the first entity; and   enable the first entity to evaluate the proposed solution based on the evaluation criteria or rules.   
     
     
         32 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 enable the first entity to develop forecasts based on the requirements.   
     
     
         33 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 enable the one or more second entities to develop the proposed solution by providing access to the one or more second entities to a library of potential proposed solutions including at least one of: a solution previously proposed by the one or more second entities; a solution previously accepted by the first entity; a solution specified by a government regulation; and a standard solution for the acquisition.   
     
     
         34 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive information relating to a pricing structure for at least one of the requirements from the first entity; and   present the information relating to the pricing structure to the one or more second entities.   
     
     
         35 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 34 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive a description of the at least one of the requirements from the first entity; and   link the information relating to the pricing structure with the description.   
     
     
         36 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive a first proposed solution for a primary requirement in the requirements;   determine that the primary requirement is associated with a related requirement;   notify the one or more second entities of the related requirement; and   receive a second proposed solution for the related requirement that relates to the first proposed solution received for the primary requirement.   
     
     
         37 . The computer-implemented interactive acquisition system of  claim 27 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive a first proposed solution for a primary requirement in the requirements;   determine that the primary requirement is associated with a related requirement;   notify the first entity of a missing proposed solution for the related requirement; and   receive a second proposed solution for the related requirement that relates to the first proposed solution received for the primary requirement.   
     
     
         38 . A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method for facilitating a process for a first entity to make an acquisition, the method comprising:
 receiving requirements for the acquisition from the first entity;   presenting a request for proposal generated based on the requirements to one or more second entities;   receiving information associated with a proposed solution to the request for proposal from at least one of the one or more second entities;   linking the information associated with the proposed solution to the requirements; and   providing a notice to at least one of the first entity or the one or more second entities when a deficiency exists between the information associated with the proposed solution and the requirements.   
     
     
         39 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 38 , wherein receiving the requirements comprises:
 receiving a selection of a requirement from a library of requirements including one or more of: requirements previously received from the first entity; requirements specified by a government regulation; and standard acquisition requirements.   
     
     
         40 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 38 , wherein the requirements include information relating to a predetermined schedule, and the method further comprising:
 enabling the first entity to control timing of releasing comments to the one or more second entities based on the predetermined schedule.   
     
     
         41 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 40 , wherein the comments include at least one of: a clarification request, a deficiencies notice, and a discussion item.