Emakpor finds overly aggressive timetables another major challenge. The time scale presented by IO is "challenging" but "probably realistic," he said. "It's achievable and that's key because that allows people to have meaningful dialogue."

This will help ensure the contract is properly structured, signed and delivered on time "because they are not trying to second-guess what the contract said because they didn't have the time to ask the proper questions during the procurement period," said Emakpor.

ITAC tries to get buyers and vendors to understand each other in terms of "what are the buyers' plans and requirements, what are the vendors' perspectives," said Courtois.

"I think we've started off today very well," he said.

Emakpor presented the following tips for newcomers to the AFP market...