Patent attributes
A tool, called the Skills Matching Application (SMA), allows a user, such as a hiring manager, to communicate requirements to technical service suppliers in a way that significantly reduces the process time and improves the accuracy of requests sent to suppliers. The SMA is accessed from a Web-based Requisition/Catalog (REQ/CAT) Web application. A user who needs to request a technical contractor accesses the REQ/CAT Web application which brings the user to the SMA Web site. The SMA application, after requiring a password and profile (for first time access) to be entered, takes the user through a series of screens which prompts the user to enter a Statement of Work (SOW) and complete a skills detail checklist for each of the technical skills requested. Once the request is completed, it is submitted to contracted suppliers who are sent an e-mail notification notifying the supplier that a new request has been entered into the SMA application for them to review and submit a candidate against. This e-mail has a standard formatted attachment which contains the statement of work and skills detail checklist. The suppliers, when they receive an e-mail request, access the Web site database to view the request details. A supplier provides a candidate or candidates by accessing the SMA Web site and submitting candidates and appending resumes as appropriate. The supplier provides a response to the SOW by responding to the entries with the candidate's skills, experience, etc. The requestor views the supplier responses and associated resumes and can either accept or reject each candidate submitted but cannot accept more than the number of candidates requested.
