Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You choose the vendor who says they can meet the required deadline.
It's a tough decision, but you decide to use the vendor who can complete the job in the required timeline. You feel that this decision is best for the department and you're comfortable standing by your decision if your boss questions you about it.
Velvet Hunter is a technical consultant for a government. She says these kinds of decisions are just part of your job when you're a contracts coordinator.
"Just about every time I have to make a decision, I know I could make the wrong one," says Hunter. "However, as long as I can explain my rationale, I don't mind admitting that I'm wrong."
Hunter says that sometimes the government is willing to pay more to ensure the job gets done properly and on time. She says she doesn't like to have only one vendor bid on the job, but sometimes she just doesn't have any other choice.
"There's not always a right answer," says Hunter. "And there's not always enough time. Sometimes I just have to decide and make the call."