“I don’t need a hard disk in my computer if I can get to the server faster… carrying around these non-connected computers is byzantine by comparison.”
– Steve Jobs, Co-founder, CEO and Chairman, Apple Inc.
The cloud has been a game-changer for the private sector, but what about its counterpart? Has it been equally game-changing for government agencies, and what opportunities lie behind the horizon for government contractors?
Moving government procurement to the cloud comes with both challenges and benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of those challenges and benefits so you can make an informed decision about whether providing competing for cloud computing contracts is worthwhile for your business.
Understanding Cloud Procurement
Government procurement is the process by which governments purchase goods and services from private suppliers. The process is heavily regulated and is typically conducted through a central office or department. Government procurement is often divided into two categories: direct and indirect with the former referring to the purchase of goods and services for government use and the latter to the purchase of goods and services for resale or use by contractors or other third parties.
Now, cloud procurement is the process by which government agencies purchase cloud computing services from vendors. Cloud computing is a relatively new technology that allows users to access applications and data over the Internet, rather than on their local computer. And while it has many pros, such as access to crucial data on the go as opposed to on a local hard drive, it also comes with some risks. Let’s look at both side-by-side.
Challenges of Moving Government Procurement to the Cloud
1. Change Management
The biggest challenge of moving government procurement to the cloud is change management. Government agencies are notoriously resistant to change, and there will be a learning curve as employees get used to using new cloud-based procurement software. But once employees see how much easier and faster it is to use cloud-based software, they will be won over.
2. Security Concerns
Another big challenge is security concerns. The government is understandably cautious about putting sensitive data in the cloud. But with proper security measures in place, the cloud can be just as secure as on-premise solutions. In fact, in some cases, it can be even more secure because you can take advantage of the latest security technologies.
3. Budget Constraints
The third challenge is budget constraints. Many government agencies are operating on tight budgets, and they may not have the funds to make the switch to a cloud-based procurement solution. But when you consider the long-term savings that a cloud-based solution can provide, it is worth making the investment.
Benefits of Moving Government Procurement to the Cloud
1. Reduced Costs (in the long run)
One of the biggest benefits of moving government procurement to the cloud is the cost savings that can be achieved in the long run. With a pay-as-you-go pricing model, agencies only need to pay for the services they use, when they use them. There is no need to make a large upfront investment in hardware and software that may not be fully utilized. In addition, by using a cloud-based solution, agencies can avoid the high costs associated with maintaining on-premise infrastructure.
2. Increased Efficiency
Another key benefit of moving government procurement to the cloud is increased efficiency. A cloud-based solution provides government agencies with access to real-time data and analytics that can be used to improve decision-making and streamline processes. In addition, by automating repetitive tasks, such as a request for proposal (RFP) creation and management, agencies can free up staff to focus on more strategic tasks.
3. Improved Security
When it comes to sensitive government data, security is always a top concern. Fortunately, with a cloud-based solution, government agencies can take advantage of state-of-the-art security features, such as encryption and user activity monitoring. In addition, by using a single platform for all procurement activities, agencies can reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
4. On-The-Go Access
Another benefit of moving government procurement to the cloud is that it makes collaboration easier. With on-premises systems, employees are often limited to working on their own individual machines. With the cloud, they can access files from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for employees to work together on projects, which can lead to better results overall.
Popular Cloud Computing Contracts
The US government offers a wide range of cloud computing contracts, making it easy for businesses to find the services they need. One of the best places to start your search is the General Services Administration’s website, which provides an overview of all the government’s contracts. You can also search for specific vendors or services using the site’s search tool. In addition, the GSA offers a variety of resources to help businesses understand and navigate the contracting process. For example, the GSA’s “How to Do Business with Us” guide provides an overview of the government’s contracting requirements and procedures. As a result, businesses that are interested in cloud computing US government contracts should start their search with the GSA’s website.
To learn more about finding contracts, you can read our article on the top 5 government contracting websites.
Conclusion
The decision about whether or not to move government procurement to the cloud is a complex one. There are pros and cons to consider before making a decision. However, overall, we believe that the benefits outweigh the challenges. When done correctly, moving government procurement to the cloud can lead to increased security, flexibility, and collaboration—all of which can help your organization succeed.
Over at DIGITALSPEC, we have over 15+ years of experience in providing cybersecurity and cloud computing services to businesses and government agencies of all sizes, so if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at digitalspec.net/contact.
