Panama Legislative Information System

The team consisted of two technical experts, one from the procurement agency FIU and one paid consultant chosen by CFD, along with an expert from a state legislature and a team coordinator from The Center. This team collaborated with counterpart legislative technicians from the Panama Legislative Assembly to ensure Panamanian involvement in every step of the development and implementation process. The team's primary objective was to design a legislative information system that incorporated the latest available technology. This involved assessing and quantifying information and information routing to be automated, as well as evaluating organizational, training, and equipment needs. A written study with recommendations was developed, covering organization of information management and work routines, software systems, technical assistance, vendor-supplied training programs, and hardware systems. A detailed technical request for proposals was developed based on the technical report, covering vendor-supplied software, training, technical assistance, and hardware requirements. The RFP was issued, and evaluation criteria were established for software, training, vendor technical support, vendor repair support, and hardware requirements. The technical assistance and training components were implemented with the National Assembly for SRS, bill status system, legislative publications, and Assembly debate record. The responses to the RFP were reviewed and evaluated, and a contract was awarded and negotiated with the winning bidder. The physical installation of the system was overseen, and vendor-supplied training and technical assistance elements were implemented. The implementation, training, and technical assistance were evaluated, and inputs were redirected as necessary to ensure the successful development and implementation of the Panama Legislative Information System. The system's design and implementation were critical to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Panama Legislative Assembly. The use of the latest technology and the involvement of Panamanian legislative technicians ensured that the system was tailored to meet the specific needs of the Assembly. The system's development and implementation were a collaborative effort between The Center for Democracy and the Panama Legislative Assembly, with the goal of improving legislative information management and work routines.