In a world where every penny should count, where we are told continuously how bad the economy is, do we really know what we are getting when we bring in outside help? I can identify numerous types of consultancies that exist in the market. However, there are two major types that seem to be pressing my buttons recently.
The first type of consultancy is far more staff augmentation then advisory support. These companies are nearly incapable of providing any value to their customer other than eliminating busy work. These companies are growing at a rapid pace in the Federal Government due to the trend toward Low Cost, Technically Acceptable contracts. Many of these companies are so low cost and poorly managed that they can hardly hold on to staff long enough to even get properly acclimated to their jobs. Because of the Governments growing reliance on this type of Contractor we have seen a growing presence of the second type of consultancy.
The second type of consultancy is the Advisory Firm (i.e. Think Tanks or Federally Funded Research and Development Centers). These organizations run on the motto that we are XXXXX and we are here to help. Many of these organizations are considered not for profit however, they have rates that often double or triple their counterparts in the first group. Moreover, they are extremely good at making recommendations and writing reports without ever delivering a single quantifiable result. They create work for themselves by identifying gaps in Government Processes and Programs, followed by making a recommendation that includes adding more staff to the project, then expecting someone else to deliver the results that they recommended.
With these two types of companies combined we have built ourselves a whole new platform by which to demonstrate incompetence. We lean on the low cost technically incapable companies to deliver on the promises made by the overpriced non-producers.
So, where do we go from here? The answer isn’t as hard as it seems. There are numerous great consultancies around the world. These companies are reasonably priced and have renowned delivery capabilities. They have the ability to identify problems, develop and deliver solutions all while creating a sustainable environment where the organization will be set up for long term success.
How do we get there from here?
- Understand your needs or hire someone to help you identify those needs. If you hire someone to help you define your needs, they shouldn’t be the ones doing the follow on work.
- Clearly define your needs in a clearly written Performance Work Statement (PWS)
- Identify performance metrics/goals that can be attained and will indicate the successful completion of the project/program/effort
- Hire the people who have proven that they can do the work
- Award work based on:
- Response to PWS (what they can do for you)
- Verified Past Performance (with references)
- Key Personnel (people who will be contractually bound to do the work)
- Price
Beyond hiring the right people to execute on the work that really needs to be done, be sure that any time you bring in contractors to provide assistance, build in a method to hold them accountable for delivery of specific products or services that clearly demonstrate a return on your investment.
Happy Leaning,
The Common Sensei
From The Desk Of A Common Sensei 