Reducing Development Costs with a Strategic IT Systems Analysis

Case Study

Reducing Development Costs with
a Strategic IT Systems Analysis

The Customer

And Their Challenge

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for increasing homeownership, supporting community development, and expanding access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To effectively manage procurement operations, HUD relied on two legacy procurement systems, HPS and SPS. These systems played a critical role in managing contracts and procurement processes across multiple departments. However, both systems were outdated, built on obsolete technologies, making them difficult to maintain, inefficient, and increasingly incompatible with modern technology.

HUD recognized the need to upgrade these systems but faced several challenges in determining the best path forward. They needed to assess whether an upgrade to a modern web-based solution was feasible, understand potential risks, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various options. With multiple stakeholders involved, HUD required a comprehensive IT Systems Analysis to ensure that any investment in new technology aligned with their operational needs, budget constraints, and long-term goals.

The Solution

IT Systems Analysis

HUD selected i3solutions to conduct a thorough IT Systems Analysis based on their proven expertise in system integration and web-based application development. i3solutions began with a comprehensive Needs Assessment, interviewing 30 individuals across seven departments to gather key requirements for an upgraded procurement system. This was followed by an in-depth feasibility study that analyzed whether the new system requirements could be met, as well as an infrastructure assessment to determine if HUD’s existing environment could support a fully web-based solution.

In addition, i3solutions evaluated and demonstrated various Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) contract management systems to identify viable options that met HUD’s procurement needs. A Cost Benefit Analysis, conducted according to HUD’s System Development Methodology (SDM), revealed that purchasing an off-the-shelf product was the most cost-effective solution, as HUD’s procurement processes aligned with standard software capabilities. i3solutions also developed a detailed project plan, risk assessment, and security plan to ensure a smooth implementation with minimal disruption.

Measurable Benefits
and Business Impact

By leveraging i3solutions’ expertise, HUD was able to make a well-informed decision that modernized its procurement systems while minimizing costs, risks, and implementation challenges.

Improved
Risk Management

A comprehensive risk assessment and security plan ensured that potential challenges were identified and mitigated early, preventing costly setbacks in the upgrade process.

Reduced
Implementation Time

i3solutions’ project plan streamlined the system upgrade process, reducing implementation time by over 35%, allowing HUD to transition to a modern system more efficiently.

Minimal
System Downtime

The strategic upgrade plan ensured a seamless transition with minimal disruption to procurement operations, enabling continued functionality without delays.

Informed
Decision-Making

The detailed assessment and documentation provided HUD with the insights needed to confidently select the best procurement solution, aligning with both operational and financial goals.

Significant
Cost Savings

The IT Systems Analysis provided an alternative solution that saved HUD over $1.5 million in unnecessary development costs by identifying a cost-effective, off-the-shelf contract management system.