Harmonization in eProcurement: Design of a Holistic Solution Model for Pre-award Procedures.

The standardization of procurement procedures is a complex process requiring multiple layers of interoperability along the European Interoperability Framework (EIF) to be ensured. The high number of distinct actors and different legal frameworks involved hampers efficiency and interoperability of procedures. This problem situation is even more critical during the pre-award phase of procurement, which has so far received less attention from researchers and solution providers alike. While many individual solution components are available for the pre-award phase, these are not orchestrated towards a holistic procedure model. This paper aims to close this gap by A) elaborating a theoretical overview and mapping between issues and proposed solutions, and B) deriving a holistic model for the harmonization of the pre-award phase centered on the orchestration of all identified solution components. Based on the maturity level of the solution components, specific recommendations for action regarding the implementation of the harmonization model are formulated. Methodically, A) is elaborated by iterating three literature review cycles to i) establish relevant concepts in the research field of eProcurement, ii) identify common key issue areas during the pre-award phase and iii) identify solutions for these issues. B) is derived using Design Science Research (DSR).