more than $20 bucks?

My father-in-law has a running joke about how much things cost. "Is it more than $20 bucks?" is the question. The objects in question are things like boats and rooms at four star hotels. It's a good way to break the ice and have a jolly conversation with someone.

I couldn't help but think of that today as I was asked to take a look at my state's request for proposal (RFP) for a one-license-processing-system-to-rule-them-all. Whoever created the plans for the system is well-versed in the latest industry buzzwords - there's workflow, ESB, hub and spoke, document management, and a whole slew of other systems to be built within this gargantuan vision. Can you imagine one system being built in a state government to handle all 500 different types of licenses possible, replacing the 60 systems that are currently in place? From barber to corrections officer to a license to work with peat - it's all lumped together.

Back to my original amusing observation...on the state's public overview page describing each RFP, here's their estimated cost:
Estimated Cost: Over $50,000

My SWAG - solid seven digit figure. More than $20 bucks?