Patent ID: 8175912

Claim:
A computer-implemented method comprising: accepting, using at least one computer that includes a processor, utilization information characterizing aspects of contracts entered into by each of a plurality of independent agencies with one or more independent service-providers included in a plurality of independent service-providers; based on the utilization information, identifying, using at least one computer that includes a processor, instances in which a first independent agency included in the plurality of independent agencies and a second independent agency included in the plurality of independent agencies have each entered into a contract with one or more common service-providers included in the plurality of independent service-providers, the first independent agency being different than the second independent agency; based on the identified instances in which the first independent agency and the second independent agency have each entered into a contract with the one or more common service-providers, calculating, using at least one computer that includes a processor and a portion of the utilization information that specifies monetary value of contracts associated with the identified instances, overlap statistics characterizing a degree, with respect to the monetary value, to which interactions of the first independent agency and the one or more common service-providers overlap with interactions of the second independent agency and the one or more common service-providers; generating, using at least one computer that includes a processor, a graphical representation of the overlap statistics that indicates the degree, with respect to the monetary value, to which interactions of the first independent agency and the one or more common service-providers overlap with interactions of the second independent agency and the one or more common service-providers; displaying, using at least one computer that includes a processor, the graphical representation of the overlap statistics; creating, using at least one computer that includes a processor, a shell document for a service contract that relates to services purchased by both the first independent agency and the second independent agency; enabling collaboration on the shell document by employees of the first independent agency and the second independent agency; enabling employees of the first independent agency and the second independent agency to review and make changes to the shell document; and after the shell document has been completed by both the first independent agency and the second independent agency, using at least one computer that includes a processor to identify service providers that have been pre-qualified to provide services included in the completed shell document and post the completed shell document to the pre-qualified service providers such that employees of the pre-qualified service providers perceive the completed shell document.