The present specification, discloses a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for specifying, negotiating, managing, and evaluating a contract for complex technical studies. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, first, a study design specification is generated based on input from a user. Next, a bidding and negotiation process between the user and one or more vendors is managed by using the Request for Quote, and hence, the user is assisted in selecting an appropriate vendor. The communication and data exchange between the user and the selected vendor is managed during the execution of the technical study. The selected vendor's performance is then evaluated after the technical study is completed. This embodiment of the present invention has utility for assisting sponsors and vendors during all phases of the technical study contracting process. In another embodiment of the present invention, the design and execution of related parameters of a technical study are specified by creating and using a decision tree. In accordance with this embodiment, a decision tree is created that has interdependent decision nodes. One or more decision choices is associated with each interdependent decision nodes. The interdependent decision nodes are ordered in a hierarchical manner such that a selection of one of the decision choices dynamically and functionally determines the manner in which a subsequent decision choice is affected. This embodiment of the present invention has utility for objectively defining study parameters and thereby substantially stream lining the design specification process for complex technical studies. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bidding process of complex technical studies is managed. In accordance with this embodiment, one or more Study Design Specifications are received from a user. These Study Design Specifications are converted into a Request for Quote using user inputs. A routing list for the Request for Quote is developed, wherein the routing list contains a list of one or more appropriate vendors. Then, the exchange of bidding data and other information between the user and the appropriate vendor is managed. This embodiment of the present invention has utility for creating a competitive bidding process.
展开▼
