Benchmarking: Costly and Difficult, but Often Necessary When Buying Computer Equipment or Services

摘要

The Federal Government uses benchmarking for most competitive computer procurements to ensure that each vendor's proposal is evaluated fairly. This computer system validation process is necessary--but costly and difficult for both the vendors and the Government. GAO studied 73 computer procurements to identify (1) problems agencies have encountered in the benchmark process, (2) alternative evaluation techniques that can be used, and (3) the cost of benchmarking. The General Services Administration should revise the procurement regulations and issue guidance to help agencies avoid benchmarking problems.