f EPS capable devices will also be managed since the device development normally lacks behind the infrastructure development. 12.11.2 Vendor Management The RFP and RFQ processes need to be thoroughly run and the vendor selection process has to be thoroughly managed. The RFP and RFQ need to cater not only for the EPS requirements, but also needs to gather transport, core and operations requirements till 2013. In the case of HSPA+ it might not seem necessary to cater for the needs of the rest of the network elements, but it could be turn out to the showstopper. The procurement process is also highly significant and important in multi vendor selection and multi vendor management. This process needs to cater for contract negotiations, mitigating the risks for future contract management, analyzing the opportunities and threats from future claim management and judging the upside potential of a transaction resulting from change management. Vendor management is not only important in day to day operations but also for the execution of trials. The multi vendor trials need to be executed in a timely fashion, recording all the pros and cons of the system in order to assist the vendor selection process. If the incumbent vendor is getting swapped with the introduction of EPS and phasing out of GSM then the products of the newer vendor have to be thoroughly tested. 12.11.3 Implementation The steps considered in this category are acquisition of sites (if required),7 identification of space requirements in existing cell sites and other facilities, execution of civil works, and installation and commissioning of individual network elements. Bearing in mind the deployment plans, the project manager needs to carefully manage all the activities in a way that is cost effective. It will not be wise to keep on adding application servers if the plan is to roll out IMS -two to three years down the road. It will be prudent to upgrade the transport network, in particular the backhaul, in such a way that is designed not only for EPS but also 