And, for the most part, it has been a positive force. Unfortunately, there are a few negative aspects that hold the potential to undo many benefits that reform efforts have brought the federal government and federal IT vendors. However, a good strategic plan and some careful marketing will help check those drawbacks. The aspect of procurement reform I'm primarily concerned with in that admittedly ominous opening is increasing competition. Now, I'm not going argue against competition, but you must recognize that we are talking about a double-edged sword.
Competition is good for both the federal government and IT vendors.
For the government, competition creates a Darwinist cycle of evolution, resulting in a cheaper, technologically superior selection of products and services. For the vendors, healthy competition ensures there is always room for new products and new companies with something to offer. IT Managers seek partners willing to shoulder risk. The downside of competition is that it can degenerate into price wars and unfair marketing practices that allow the company with the deepest pockets carrying the day. This erodes the basic level of trust that government IT buyers can place in the companies that service them.