The N.C. Department of Information Technology is pleased to announce the release of a new chatbot to assist state agency IT procurement staff as well as anyone engaged in the statewide IT procurement process.
Utilizing intelligent automation functionality, the tool references several resources, including the NCDIT website, to answer a variety of questions, such as:
- Where do I get the latest IT solicitation forms?
- How do I submit a Standards Exception Request?
- How long does the IT procurement process take?
- How do I file a procurement exception?
- Who can help me get access to the NC eProcurement Sourcing Tool?
To access the chatbot, click the chat bubble icon in the lower right corner of the Statewide IT Procurement website page.
Benefits of the Chatbot
- 24/7 convenience: Quickly get help when you need it – even when support staff are not available.
- Quick access: Save yourself the time and effort of searching through lots of webpages.
- Reduced wait times: No longer do you have to wait for support staff to respond to simple questions. This makes them available to focus on more complex matters.
- Evolved information: The chatbot is programmed to answer common queries. Over time, and with repeated use, it will evolve to provide even more helpful information.
The chatbot will be continuously improved to help deliver greater customer service.
This is the latest in several NCDIT efforts implemented over the past year to help create a clearer, more efficient statewide IT procurement process. This includes implementing an eProcurement system to manage new solicitations and existing contracts using a tailorable 10-step IT procurement process, a highly informative dashboard reporting system that is tied to the eProcurement system and the Procurement Guidance Team that supports agencies.
Have Questions or Feedback?
If you have questions or comments about the chatbot or if you encounter issues, please send an email to the Procurement Guidance Team at PGT@nc.gov.