IE11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

RFP Seeks Vendors to Create Transportation Asset Management Solution

The state transportation and technology agencies have released a multimillion-dollar RFP seeking vendors to create a system that will do more to help manage transportation assets -- driving efficiencies and meeting state and federal laws in the process.

caltranslogo.png
In a multimillion-dollar request for proposal (RFP) released June 26, the California Department of Technology (CDT), acting on behalf of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is seeking vendors to provide a Transportation Asset Management System (TAMS) for the state.

A wide-reaching project, the TAMS will deliver a “centralized data repository” for the state, as well as tools to help it do more around “transportation asset management, analysis,” project prioritization and scoping, as well as funding and decision support. The TAMS will also enable the state to implement a Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) as required by state and federal laws. Find RFP documents here and here. Among the takeaways:

• The agencies describe the proposed IT system Caltrans needs as a solution that must implement the TAMP and integrate data “across assets, systems and NEEDs,” which is now contained in more than one system. The new TAMS must also create an asset and performance management system that “unifies analytics, strategies and modeling for decision support”; include project planning, scoping, programming and establish funds and performance management across multiple department programs; and integrate performance outcomes, business intel, reporting and dashboards. Caltrans seeks a cloud-based, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution. However, TAMS will not replace “source asset systems such as pavement, bridge and integrated maintenance (field work order) management.” Project phases include maintaining existing functionality; building enhanced functionality and one asset; and contractor-guided configuration. Business capabilities include integrated asset inventory and needs database with user input; analytics, strategies, scenarios and modeling; integrated project performance, planning and funding; and performance outcomes.

• Among the project’s key personnel, its project manager will be charged with the project’s overall execution and delivery and attainment of TAMS established objectives, among his or her responsibilities. That person must have at least five years’ experience leading large-scale IT systems integration projects and previous experience following the proposed project management methodology on at least one project. The functional lead will be responsible for identifying and communicating “functional alignment of requirements to software functional and configuration capabilities” as well as translating business process flows and resolving ambiguities. This person’s qualifications include at least two years' experience on large-scale IT systems integration projects and experience using the project management methodology on at least one project. The data scientist’s responsibilities include “data definition, usage and analysis in support of data collection”; and being primary for “Trade-off Analysis and Prioritization” of projects. This person’s qualifications include at least five years' similar experience and current data scientist certification.

• The contract, which will be effective once approved by CDT, Statewide Technology Procurement, will have a three-year term with two optional one-year extensions at Caltrans’ discretion. The state will have the option to amend the contract for “additional funds, optional services, additional hours, time extension, or for unanticipated tasks" based on the same costs or hourly rates as set forth in the contract. Work will be done at Caltrans offices in Sacramento and nearby.

The agreement’s total cost is not to exceed more than $19.2 million, with yearly breakdowns of more than $5.6 million during each of its first three years; $800,000 during its first optional one-year extension; and nearly $1.5 million during its second optional one-year extension. Travel costs included in cost proposals shall not exceed $50,000.

• Bidders have a little less than two months before proposals are due. A bidders’ conference is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Thursday; and intents to bid and written questions are due July 17. State responses to questions will be released July 28; conceptual discussions will take place Aug. 5-10; and proposals are due by 4 p.m. Aug. 26. Proposals will be evaluated Aug. 26-Sept. 10; negotiations will take place Sept. 21-25 and may include a demo; and the estimated contract award date is Oct. 30.

Theo Douglas is Assistant Managing Editor of Industry Insider — California.