ISBN: 978-90-76258-36-2
31 pages
In practice, many quantitative RFP questions that are intended to select the best supplier are not specific enough and result in the opposite: the selection of an immature supplier that is not able to realistically estimate the effort needed for a software projects. An example of such a question would be: “What is your price per function point for Java projects?”. Much research has been published in which it was proven that software projects that start with unrealistic (optimistic) expectations have a very high chance of complete failure (effort and schedule overruns, too little functionality and/or unsatisfactory quality.
This document describes the way Nesma believes that function point based metrics should be applied in RFPs regarding software realization projects. This applies to both new development projects and functional releases. In scope are both RFPs to select a single supplier for a one-time engagement and RFPs to select a supplier for a long term engagement. The scope therefore includes the following contract types:
- Software development projects, including new development, enhancements and (major) adaptive maintenance;
- Framework agreements.
The scope is not limited to certain technologies or methods of implementation. Java, .Net, Oracle, and agile, waterfall, package implementation, websites, mobile apps, data warehouses, etcetera are all in scope.
This mini guide is free for Nesma platinum members. Prices for other types of members and non-members can be found on the downloads page of the Nesma miniguides for software metrics in contracts.