220-1102 Question 653
Single answerProcurement life cycleA technician at a small accounting firm has been asked to replace 25 aging laptops before tax season. Management wants the new systems to be supportable for several years, compatible with the firm's standard image, and covered under a vendor warranty. The technician has already documented the hardware and software requirements with department managers. What should the technician do NEXT in the procurement life cycle?
- A
Create a disposal plan for the old laptops and schedule secure drive wiping
- B
Request quotes from approved vendors that meet the documented requirements
- C
Deploy one new laptop to each department to gather user feedback before selecting a model
- D
Purchase the least expensive laptops available and add warranty coverage afterward
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
In the procurement life cycle, a common sequence is: identify a business need, define requirements, evaluate vendors and products, obtain quotes, select and purchase, deploy, support, and eventually retire/dispose of assets. In this scenario, the requirements have already been documented, so the next step is to solicit quotes from approved vendors that can meet those requirements. This aligns with standard IT procurement best practices, which emphasize comparing cost, warranty, lifecycle support, and compatibility before purchase. For A+ Core 2 purposes, procurement is not just buying hardware; it includes planning, standards compliance, vendor evaluation, and lifecycle considerations such as warranty and support.
- A. Incorrect.
This step happens later in the asset life cycle, after selection and acquisition of the replacement devices. Disposal planning is important, especially for data-bearing systems, but it is not the next step once requirements have been gathered for a new purchase.
- B. Correct.
This is correct. After requirements have been identified, the next logical procurement step is to evaluate sourcing options by requesting quotes or proposals from approved vendors. This helps compare pricing, warranty terms, support options, and compatibility with organizational standards before making a purchasing decision.
- C. Incorrect.
Piloting equipment can be useful in some organizations, but it generally occurs after narrowing down products or obtaining evaluation units. It is not typically the immediate next procurement step after requirements gathering, especially when the organization still needs formal vendor pricing and approved sourcing information.
- D. Incorrect.
Choosing solely based on lowest price is a common procurement mistake. The scenario specifically mentions supportability, compatibility with the standard image, and warranty coverage, so total value and fit for business requirements matter more than just initial cost. Warranty terms also vary and may not be as favorable when added after purchase.