Business Services Division (BSD) and  DPW-IT have teamed up for the Contract Automation Project – an ongoing venture that has all contract processes administered online.  Using SharePoint, a Microsoft application that allows users to manage documents and start automated workflows, both internal and external users are able to access contracts that are in multiple stages of progress.  The data in this new system is shared between Bureaus, outside contacts, and other systems, providing better communication across DPW and beyond.

This project started in August 2008, with BSD-Contract Administration taking the Lead in working with DPW-IT.  The process involved careful planning, extensive sharing of information and an astounding level of patience and cooperation.  The two teams assisted by the BSD-Systems & Reporting Unit worked well together, teaching each other the basics of their discipline.  Only through cooperative efforts could this project be possible.

Once the months of programming, testing, and troubleshooting were over, the training stage begun.  Training hundreds of employees - all with different schedules, skill sets, and interests, was a daunting task.  However, through incredible flexibility and understanding from the entire department, from bureau managers to interns, training has proven to be a testament to just how well DPW can work together. 

Contract processes that used to take 55 days now take 7.  But this project is not just about contracts or computers; It is about communication.  DPW employees have proven that they have the skills to transition into a more efficient and effective digital environment.  Only through working together could a goal like this be achieved.

Picture from left to right: Daniel Schneider, Sid Reyes, David Tseng, Ali Nasiri, Jocelle Alberto, Ning Yang, Jerome Hou, Napone Phommachak.