Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have implemented a procurement system, why do I need AWARD?

A. Other systems are designed to minimize transaction cost and price and ensure simple requirements are satisfied, they are not designed to support the complex goals of strategic procurements where:

• Requirements are uncertain and complex
• Value for money and risk control is key
• Multiple stakeholders must be involved
• Procurement decisions are accountable
• Suppliers have to be debriefed and developed
• Procurement project efficiency is important

Q. What is wrong with managing strategic procurement projects using spreadsheets, word processors and email?

A. Traditional techniques do not meet up to the challenge because:

• Spreadsheets and word processors do not facilitate stakeholder collaboration
• No or limited visibility of interim results
• No guided workflow for stakeholders
• No or limited management controls
• Liable to information bottlenecks
• No centralised information and traceability
• Prone to errors
• No clear audit trail
• Last minute results and often bringing unwanted surprises

Q. How easy is AWARD to deploy?

A. AWARD is available installed or securely hosted (i.e. no installation). It can be delivering value on your live procurement project within one day of order. AWARD is priced to provide a compelling return on investment from the first procurement. Full support and training ensure minimum adoption time.

Q. Is AWARD a web-based tool?

A. Yes. AWARD can be deployed on an Intranet or the Internet. Client machines do not require a software installation, only a web browser.

Q. How long does it take to learn how to use AWARD?

A. Less than one hour for a typical evaluator. Two one-day training courses are available for users looking to develop expert skills in AWARD.

Q. How long does AWARD take to install? What are the prerequisites?

A. This depends on the application server being used but usually about one hour. QinetiQ Commerce Decisions supply all middle-tier components, including a web server and a J2EE application server, in a bundled solution. Typically you only need provide a server machine with a supported operating system which is accessible over your network.

Q. Can users see bidders' responses?

A. Bidder responses can be made available within AWARD either as scores that can be made visible to users during the evaluation process or as bid documents that can be viewed and searched.

Q. Can bidders enter data into AWARD themselves?

A. Yes. AWARD's security mechanisms allow bidders to enter responses against their bid including uploading bid documentation. Bidders can enter 'scores' into AWARD directly, via bidder accounts, or using offline answer sheets.

Q. Which platforms does the software operate on?

A. Server: Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or 2003.

Client: Windows NT4, 2000 or XP using Internet Explorer 5.5 or later.

Q. What technology is your software based on?

A. AWARD is built using Java to J2EE standards.

Q. What databases does AWARD support?

A. AWARD supports MySQL, Oracle 9i+ and Microsoft SQL Server 2000. QinetiQ Commerce Decisions can supply a licensed copy of MySQL if required.

Q. How do I ensure AWARD is accessed by authorised users only?

A. Each user logs onto AWARD with a username and password. Passwords are encrypted in the product database. AWARD's powerful role and security mechanisms control the data and functions a user has access to.

Q. AWARD is web-based; are data transactions secure?

A. AWARD can only be accessed by a secure connection (HTTPS) to protect data ensuring all transactions between client and server are encrypted. Data and documents held on our servers are also encrypted such that operators cannot view or read data – data can only be read through the application by users with valid logon credentials and security access to that data. The AWARD server is also protected by a state of the art hardware firewall and is subjected to third party application security and penetration tests by CHECK/CLAS accredited experts as part of our on-going commitment to security.  The servers are located in highly secure data centers with 24 hour manned security.  Access to the servers is restricted to authorized staff only, with server rooms and racks protected by access control devices.

Q. Does the AWARD Offline Answer Sheet require an installation?

A. No. The AWARD Offline Answer Sheet consists of a HTML page that hosts a dynamic HTML application (HTML and scripting of the type common to many web applications) and embedded data. The user works within a web-browser and saves the changes to the file. When scoring is complete, the Offline Answer Sheet is uploaded into AWARD.