IST Strategic Technology Acquisition

Information Systems and Technology

University of California, Berkeley

6 September 2005


Mission

The mission of IST Strategic Technology Acquisition (ISTSTA) is to enhance Berkeley’s information technology environment at the enterprise level through the use of professional technology-acquisition practices. ISTSTA focuses on strategic technologies, products, and vendors, which are those deemed critical to carrying out Berkeley’s mission of instruction, research, and public service.
 

Authority and Approach

ISTSTA operates under the authority of the campus Chief Information Officer (CIO). ISTSTA provides direct support to campus managerial staff who are responsible for strategic technology implementations.
 

Direct Services

ISTSTA provides the following services to campus departments:

• Participates in task forces appointed to study and/or select technology solutions.

• Collaborates in the development of solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs) for the acquisition of information technology systems.

• Collaborates in the evaluation of vendor bids arising from solicitations.

• Reviews and negotiates contracts for the acquisition of information technologies.

• Collaborates with campus departments in resolving serious difficulties they may experience with key vendors.

 ISTSTA also acts on behalf of campus departments: • Negotiates volume agreements, site licenses, and other technology agreements for the campus that take advantage of economies of scale.

• Serves as the primary campus representative on UCOP’s Advisory Group on Technology Acquisition Support (TAS).
 

 Indirect Services

ISTSTA also carries out the following activities in support of its mission:

• Develops and promotes policies, standards, practices, procedures, templates, and other foundations of an effective technology acquisition process.

• Maintains a broad knowledge of technology trends, industry practices, and technology-related law.

• Maintains a broad awareness of UC technology infrastructure, information technology initiatives, and the related policy environment.

• Maintains liaisons with other campus departments involved in the acquisition process, especially Procurement Services.

• Maintains ongoing contacts with major technology vendors.
 

 Contact Information

To ask questions about major technology acquisitions, contact David Willson, (510) 643-9677, or dwillson@berkeley.edu.

For campus policy on the review of major information technology acquisitions, consult the section of the IT Policy website on High-Cost IT Acquisitions.

Information on software available under University agreements is provided by Software Distribution, a unit of Workstation Support Services. Consult the website for Software Distribution, or contact the Software Distribution staff at (510) 643-9725 or products@berkeley.edu.