Steve A Vanderboom

US Patent:

20020147596, Oct 10, 2002

Filed:

Jan 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/759651

Inventors:

Steve Vanderboom - Medina MN, US
David Stalling - Lenexa KS, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/001000

Abstract:

An on-line, web-based laboratory services brokerage system. The system website operator enlists and maintains a network of member laboratories having underutilized scientific laboratory capabilities. An electronic database of the member laboratory capabilities is also maintained by the operator. Customer requests for proposals (RFPs) for laboratory service projects are received over the internet. In response to the RFPs, a scientist at the system business will review and select from the database one or more member laboratories which may be capable of performing the requested laboratory service projects. The system business will then provide the selected laboratories, over the internet, descriptions of the requested laboratory service projects, and present the selected laboratories the opportunity to make proposals of the terms on which the laboratories desire to pursue the requested projects. Proposals from the selected laboratories with the terms on which the laboratories desire to pursue the requested laboratory service projects are returned to the system business over the internet. The proposals received from the selected member laboratories are then sent to the customer over the internet, and the customer given the opportunity to make decisions on the proposals.