SPRITE-S2 - Support and guidance in the procurement of ICT systems and services
SPRITE-S2 (Support and guidance to the procurement of information and telecommunication systems and services) is an initiative of DG III (Industry) of the European Commission aimed at providing public and private sector purchasers with a common framework for the procurement of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment. Launched by an open call for proposals published in July 1997, this pilot action includes two major types of activities: application, validation and demonstration projects; and awareness building and promotional activities. The first nine projects to be supported under this initiative were officially launched in January 1998. These projects, selected from a total of 32 proposals received, are grouped in three main clusters: - Comparative analysis of procurement practices; - Procurement of telecom services; - Acquisition of information systems and services. The first group of projects will compare procurement practices to determine and promote best practices for both the private and public sectors. The second cluster focuses specifically on the procurement of telecom services and is aimed at validating the European Open Telecommunications Systems Interconnection Profile model in different working environments, as well as expanding the scope of the model by including the most recent network-based tools. One project will address issues related to the procurement of ICTs accessible to the disabled. The third group of projects to be supported under SPRITE-S2 aims to compile procurement guides for those interested in acquiring more user-friendly and market-focused services.