Lesson 8: Prepare before the game

Preparation gives technology partners time to explore solution options before the Cost of Delay Game. That helps create a more equitable playing field when requests are compared. The pre-game process begins with the invitation, about four weeks before the round. Plan roughly five business days for each of four activities. They generally happen in order for each sponsor, although some work can overlap. These are expected preparation steps, with occasional exceptions. First, confirm participation. Respond within five business days. Without a response, the team assumes you are not participating. If you respond within ten days, the team may still try to accommodate you. Second, prepare your request using the approved PowerPoint template. Follow its instructions so the solution architects have the information they need for the review. Third, take part in a one-hour technical scoping conversation. The solution architects walk through your request and ask questions about how a solution could meet your needs. That conversation gives them the context to draft a potential solution afterward. Fourth, give the solution architects time to draft a potential solution. This is working time after the sponsor review. They use what they learn to explore how the request could be delivered. A follow-up conversation with the sponsor is not expected during this step. A request is ready for the game when the solution architect review is complete and the PowerPoint has been submitted. Start early. Give your technology partners time to think through solution options so everyone arrives better prepared for a fair comparison.