Chapter 58: Bidding for the Federal project
“With what you’ve explained, we will have to make a proposal to the real estate company to revise their designs,” Mr. Wallace said. “It’s not compatible with the software we have developed,” he added.
“I don’t think so,” Director Alvin countered. “This project is just a support project for the villa project; why would they need to change the main project just to accommodate the support project?” He asked with a deep crease in his brows and an accusing glare directed at Mr. Wallace.
Being one of Frederick’s men, there was no way he could readily agree to have them change the villa design just to accommodate Mark’s tech project. If that happened, Mark and his team would take credit for the whole project, and the people-both the higher-ups and their consumers-wouldn’t acknowledge the design of the villa; instead, they’d all be focused on the security project.
“Is there a reason why you are so against it, Director Alvin?” Mr. Wallace asked knowingly, and Director Alvin gritted his teeth before replying, “The villa project design has already been approved by the state, and it will look unprofessional on our side if we have to resubmit a new design at the junction,” Director Alvin explained calmly.
He stood up from his chair, his expression hard. “We cannot make a fool of ourselves in front of our clients. The real estate company has already invested in the villa design, and they have a timeline to meet. We cannot expect them to change their plans just for a side project.”
Mr. Wallace, unfazed by Director Alvin’s tone, narrowed his eyes. “The security project is not just a side project. It is an essential part of the villa design, and we must ensure that it is compatible with the villa design for the utmost results. If it’s compatible, it will benefit not only the Alpha company but also the real estate company!”
“We can make the security project compatible with the existing design without changing the villa plans. It will require more work, but it’s better than delaying the project and potentially losing the client’s trust.” The director argued stubbornly, making Mr. Wallace shakes his head in disapproval.
“Your solution will compromise the efficiency of the security system. We cannot risk our clients’ safety just for the sake of avoiding a few extra steps in the design process.” He argued
“And you would risk our reputation just for the sake of your pride?” Direct Alvin was accused, seeing how he was already losing the argument.
Mr. Wallace’s temper flared, his voice rising as he slammed his hand on the table. Those in the room remained quiet and unloved by the exchange between the two, it was not the first time they both had a disagreement on projects and knowing them, it wouldn’t be the last either.
“This is not about pride. This is about delivering a quality product. We are not some amateur startup. We are a professional company with a reputation to uphold. What do you think will happen if we deliver an incompatible job to the clients?”
“And that reputation is built on delivering projects on time and within budget. If we delay this project, we risk losing not just the trust of our clients but also our standing in the industry. All you have to do is change a few codes and the overall hardware design of the security project, and it will work.”
“You are thinking about delivering on time; what about when we deliver a flawed product? Then we risk more than just our reputation but the trust of our clients!” Mr. Wallace reasoned calmly.
Mark let out a sigh. “Alright. You two aren’t children; is there a need for such arguments?” He asked, his voice cold and unwelcoming as he glared at the two.
Feeling ashamed of their behaviour, the two sat back in their chair with their heads slightly bowed to avoid eye contact. “I understand and relate to the points you two are making, and it’s another one of the reasons I called this meeting today.”
“I have seen a glimpse of the villa design before; I was aware of their incompatibility, and so I have decided that this security project named ‘Shadow’ will not be used in the villa project,” he announced, and everyone looked at him at the same time.
Although he was eager to let out the security system on the market and have the world taken by surprise once again, he was not in a rush to have it used with a design pattern that it wouldn’t work with. After his discussion with Sinful the night before, Sinful agreed to make a simpler programme that would go with the Villa design.
“I’m sure you all are surprised by my decision; you shouldn’t be. Since you are all not directly involved in the project, you do not know how complicated it is. So I don’t blame you all. However, it does not mean we are giving up on the villa project; we have decided to make a simpler version of this security system that is compatible with this real estate design that has been approved,” he explained.
“I have also relayed this idea to the chairman, and he approved of it. Which brings me to the next topic,” he paused and then continued
“Alpha will be bidding for a place with the federal government developmental project next year and will be using this project during the bid.” He announced, and the room erupted into murmurs.
“This project will be a stepping stone for Alpha to get involved in the big business of national security and, hopefully, the military. My team and I are going to be developing further from here on.” He continued with a slight smirk.
“For now, we will focus on the work we have on the ground while making preparations for the next project. You have nothing to worry about; I’m assuring you that the project will get approved since we have no competitors at the moment,” he added.
Director Alvin and the rest of Frederick’s men on the board clenched their fists and gritted their teeth. They all knew what that meant for Alpha if it truly joined the ranks of the federal and military governments.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.
At this point, Frederick could have a competition with Mark, but once the project gets approved by the federal government, there is no more competition for the seat of the next chairman of the Watson Group.
It would be a sealed post with the help of both parties; after all, Watson is known for choosing its heirs based on merit.
Unwilling to agree, Director Alvin gritted his teeth and stood up. “Although Alpha has no competitors on the location market, you can’t say the same for the international market, and we all know that the majority of federal and military projects are assigned to the international market,” he pointed out, and Mark nodded.
“I’m aware, and we are working on it. We’ve started taking steps to make sure the bid is ours, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about,” Mark replied with a smile. “If there is nothing more to say, this meeting is dismissed.”