Good commissioning is done together!

On September 11th, the CIO Platform Netherland and Nederland ICT jointly organized a discussion session on the theme of 'good commissioning'. The host of the afternoon was Perry van der Weyden, CIO of Rijkswaterstaat in Delft. Norbert Derickx (CIO Platform Nederland) and Dirk van Roode (Nederland ICT) explained the experiences from respectively customer and contractor perspective along the axes of commissioning, collaboration, communication & organization, capacity & expertise and quality management. From these experiences statements were distilled which were presented to the participants in the discussion round.nsformation by suppliers is clear, but the way in which Rijkswaterstaat receives this help is fundamentally different and innovative within the national government. Among other supplier days, a joint risk policy and a clear performance measurement system contribute to the transparency that is necessary for a good faith in the relationship. This regardless of the phase in which you are.

Transformation Rijkswaterstaat

Before the discussion took place, the word was given to Perry van der Weyden, who won with Rijkswaterstaat in the category 'collaboration, communication & organization' in the client survey of Nederland ICT i.s.m. PBLQ. In an inspiring speech Perry took us into the transformation of Rijkswaterstaat. He sketched a picture of the enormous impact this transformation has on the organization and people of Rijkswaterstaat. The fact that Rijkswaterstaat should be assisted in this transformation by suppliers is clear, but the way in which Rijkswaterstaat receives this help is fundamentally different and innovative within the national government. Among other things supplier days, a joint risk policy and a clear performance measurement system contribute to the transparency that is necessary for a good faith in the relationship. This regardless of the phase in which you are.

Points of interest from the discussion

Subsequently, those present went into groups to discuss the topics of cooperation, assignment and capacity, expertise and knowledge. From this round of discussions the following points of interest and suggestions were shared:

• The extent to which the customer/contractor relationship will change in this era of rapid change and new technologies over the next 10-15 years.
• Relaxation of the national government's interpretation of the European tender regulations. Other European member states already do this.
• Knowledge of the business in the tendering process is necessary, so organize meetings that make it possible for potential contractors to get a very good picture of the environment in which the requested solution has to contribute.
• Focus on business objectives instead of purely technical implementation criteria. This is difficult, but helps to strive for true value creation.
• Spot from both sides at an early stage if things do not go well, discuss it and solve it in the light of the intended goal.
• Act on interpersonal aspects, both in the business relationship, as well as with colleagues within the own customer organization.
• After the tender, gain knowledge and experience from all participants about how it can be better, clearer, more targeted etc. next time.

Continuation

The session was then closed while enjoying a snack and a drink. The joint theme session and substantive constructive discussion have given an impuls to obtaining a level playing field between customers and contractors.

The CIO Platform Nederland and Nederland ICT look together on which of these topics the deepening can be sought. Suggestions are welcome!