Presented by Christine Green
Session Description: Have you noticed something new in the Request for Proposals for Large Scale IT contracts from EU Agencies? Function Points and SNAP Points are now part of large-scale contracts. This is the result of the 2020 decision at the European Parliament. The Parliament decided with recommendations to all the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.
The decision of The European Parliament “welcomes the new organizational structure put in place by the Agency to reinforce the capabilities needed for operational planning and the associated procurement, … the Agency may consider using the methodology of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG), a standard methodology for determining the price of development activities”. This approach uses a price model with a unit-based price based on IFPUG Function Points or SNAP Points.
The mention of these measurement techniques in the context of EU IT project contracts suggests that the European Parliament has recommended or mandated standardized measurement methods like Function Points or SNAP Points for determining the price and planning of development activities in large-scale IT contracts.
Function Points (FP) and SNAP Points (Software Non-Functional Assessment Process) are measurement techniques used to assess the size and complexity of software development projects. These techniques help estimate the effort, cost, and resources required for software development activities and thereby consequently the price.
The rationale behind such a decision could include:
- Standardization: By using internationally recognized measurement techniques like Function Points or SNAP Points, there is greater standardization and consistency in assessing project requirements and estimating project price.
- Transparency: These measurement techniques provide a transparent and objective way to evaluate the scope and complexity of IT projects, which can help both the agencies and the contractors understand the project’s scope and requirements more clearly.
- Cost Estimation: Using Function Points or SNAP Points can aid in more accurate cost estimation, which is crucial for budgeting and financial planning of large-scale IT projects.
- Vendor Management: Standardized measurement techniques can make it easier to compare proposals from different vendors and assess their capabilities and pricing structures.
- Risk Mitigation: A standardized approach to project measurement can potentially reduce the risk of scope creep, delays, and cost overruns by providing a clearer understanding of project complexity upfront.
It’s important to note that my information might be outdated, and I recommend checking official sources from EU agencies or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on the use of Function Points, SNAP Points, and other methodologies in EU IT project contracts. If these changes were indeed implemented in 2020 as you mentioned, there may have been further developments or refinements since then.
Speaker Bio:
Christine Green is an accomplished IT professional and independent consultant known for her software project management and contracts expertise. Her advocacy for mutual success in client-supplier relationships highlights her belief in collaboration as the foundation of successful software development. Christine’s unique approach, equipped with a “Mary Poppins bag” of agile methodologies and innovative problem-solving techniques like LEGO Serious Play (LSP), is geared towards process improvement. Her ability to quickly understand complex business areas and communicate effectively across organizational levels underscores her versatility and knowledge, enabling her to navigate various projects and challenges adeptly. Christine’s dual role as a project manager and advisor on software contracts allows her to apply her extensive field knowledge actively, offering practical, tested advice.
A notable aspect of Christine’s career is her long-standing commitment to the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG), where she has served as a dedicated volunteer for over 20 years and led as President from 2019 to 2021. Her contributions to IFPUG and her advisory work on significant EU projects have been instrumental in advancing the use of function point analysis for project estimation and management, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the IT industry.