Contractor Engagement Proposal - Master Contract for IT Services

Service Category Descriptions

Analysis, Design & Planning:

Analysis, Design and Planning services include IT systems analysis and design. Duties may include process workflow analysis, needs assessments, functional analysis, requirements analysis, feasibility studies, risk analysis, best practices research, cost benefit analysis, strategic planning, tactical planning, architecture analysis and design, solution alternatives, and deployment planning. The Contractors may also provide assistance in RFP drafting, contract management and staff training. If the Contractor does provide assistance in RFP drafting, the Contractor will be precluded from bidding on that RFP and/or any subsequent work as a result of that RFP.

Analysis, Design and Planning Services may apply to any IT discipline, including any of the Master Contract Service Categories.

Business Process Management (BPM):

The BPM service category addresses organizational process assessment and reengineering services. BPM examines industry best practices (Six Sigma, TQM, etc.) as part of organizational transformations to ensure work processes, systems, and staff is best aligned to meet strategic plans and missions. BPM applies tools and methodologies to model existing and envisioned behavior, perform what-if analysis, and cost benefit comparisons. Tools can also monitor the execution of the business processes, providing the management of an organization the means to analyze their performance and make changes to the original processes with the aim of improving them. Operations research, strategic planning, communications, and change management skills are directly applicable.

Distributed Applications:

This service category includes distributed applications and database development services. Distributed application services are the traditional application system analysis and programming services typically performed by a project manager, systems analyst, senior programmer/analyst, and/or programmer/analyst. Requirements for this service category may include all or a combination of the following: overall project management, technology research, information gathering, feasibility studies, report writing, agency requirements analysis, systems analysis, conversion analysis, system design, systems development, system testing, installation, integration, operation, maintenance, training, and providing of hardware and software.

Distributed Application Services sub-categories

A. Systems Analysis

  • Needs assessment
  • Requirements definition
  • Interface analysis
  • Conversion analysis

B. Application Development/Programming

  • Client/server and workstation application and database development and modification
  • Standards for application development environments: See state standards at http://itsd.mt.gov/policy/ SupportedSoftware/ByCategory.asp
  • Key database environments: Oracle, SQL Server, MS Access.
  • Server platforms: IBM Z/OS, AIX, Linux, Microsoft Windows Server.
  • Application servers: Oracle OAS, Microsoft IIS, Apache, Tomcat.
  • Key development tools/environments: PL/SQL, .NET, VB, Java.
  • CASE tools

C. Implementation

  • Installing the technical configuration
  • Implementing the application system
  • Supporting the system during the stabilization phase
  • Decommissioning the replaced application

D. Testing and Conversions

  • Developing data conversion strategy
  • Developing test scripts
  • Developing test data
  • Unit testing, system verification

E. Training/Support

  • Trouble-shooting application problems
  • Conducting customer training
  • Developing training materials
  • Preparing user documentation

F. Database Development

  • Conducting data analysis meeting with customers
  • Developing logical data models
  • Transition of a logical data model into a physical data model
  • The use of data modeling CASE tools
  • Data warehouse applications

G. Develop, Test and Implement Enhancements

  • Programming
  • Developing test data
  • Developing test plans
  • Unit and system testing
  • Customer verification
  • Program module movement
  • Implementing enhancements

H. Performance Tuning

  • Applications
  • Network communications
  • Database pieces

FileNet Services:

Offerors providing responses to FileNet Services must be current ValueNET partners.

Current ValueNET partner categories (per FileNet ValueNet Partners):

FileNet Services will include consulting and technical assistance with FileNet’s Panagon and P8 Software Suites of products, which are Montana’s state standard for imaging and document management. The functional description of the Service Category is to establish or maintain electronic document imaging, document management, document workflow, and associated technologies.

Examples of Potential SOWs:

  • Workflow/BPM analysis, design, and implementation;
  • Strategic and practical architecture design, planning, and implementation;
  • Document indexing/queuing and workload management;
  • System/application/network design;
  • Application prototyping;
  • Implementation and support services;
  • System interface development;
  • System migration strategies;
  • Document conversion (hardcopy to electronic or electronic to new system/media);
  • Data conversion (e.g., ASCII to TIFF);
  • Performance monitoring/measurement;
  • System stress testing/benchmarking;
  • Document and records retention/archiving;
  • Eforms design and implementation;
  • Document scanning (high-speed and production desk top);
  • Image databases and optical storage devices;
  • Fax services, microfiche output, optical character recognition;
  • Client/Server based workstations and hardware

GIS:

Offerors in this service area will be able to deliver a variety of GIS services to state government agencies, county governments, city governments, and quasi-governmental entities (councils of government, weed districts, fire districts etc.).

In general, the aforementioned state agencies use GIS products from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), however there are some exceptions. Preference will be given to Offerors with demonstrated development experience with the following ESRI products: Arc 9.x (Arc Map, Arc Catalog, Arc Toolbox), ArcIMS, Arc SDE, Arc Engine, and Arc Server. Preference will also be given to vendors with demonstrated experience in the following software and programming languages: Oracle, SQL Server, JAVA, Visual Studio .NET, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

GIS Services may include all or a combination of the following: technology research; feasibility and cost benefit studies; report writing; requirements analysis; systems analysis, design, development, installation, integration, operations, and maintenance; data conversion; application development; database modeling, design, and implementation; internet map server development; project management; end user training; and providing of hardware and software.

To ensure the compatibility and integrity of new GIS systems and/or procedures, or modifications to existing systems and/or procedures, all procurement of GIS hardware, software and services under this RFP and resultant contract must be in compliance with Montana statute. It is desirable that the Offeror be familiar with or has experience in as many of the following areas as possible:

  • GIS project management
  • Strategic GIS planning
  • Needs assessment
  • System design
  • System implementation
  • System administration
  • GIS database design
  • GIS data automation
  • GIS data conversion
  • GIS data integration
  • GIS data maintenance
  • GIS data quality control and assurance
  • Assessment management
  • Conflation
  • E911
  • Engineering
  • Facilities management
  • Intranet and internet
  • Permitting
  • Planning and zoning
  • Public access
  • Redistricting
  • Transportation
  • On-Site ESRI training with ESRI authorized instructors
  • Custom application training
  • Procedure documentation
  • Technical support via phone/fax/email

Information Systems Security:

This Service Category consists of Information Technology Security and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Continuity Planning and Risk Assessments.

Information Technology Security (Hardware/Software/ Applications) - Confidentiality, integrity, and availability strategies and solutions for defending hardware, software, network and telecommunications information technology resources against adversaries both from internal as well as external threats both human and non-human such as viruses, worms, hackers and environmental issues for operating systems and applications in a mainframe, client/server, and network environments.

  • Provide security assessments on a major project or information technology program.
  • Provide security assessments of web application and management systems.
  • Assessments of security measures for all aspects of project planning and execution.
  • Development and execution of security test and acceptance processes.
  • Work with all levels of technical security and management staff.
  • Deal successfully with large amounts of detailed security data and information.
  • Attention to security detail while still understanding and dealing with the global aspects of the project.
  • Provide security requirements determinations on a major project or information technology program.
  • Provide security requirements determinations of web application and management systems.
  • Development and implementation of security requirements for all aspects of project planning and execution.
  • Development and execution of security test and acceptance requirements.
  • Utilization of industry best practices.
  • Provide operational and analytical support related to security for computing platforms (i.e. PC, servers, mainframe) and network technologies.
  • Analyze and evaluate new and emerging security technologies as well as vendor security products for their applicability and feasibility of use in securing hardware, software, network and telecommunications information technology resources.
  • Support customer security operations, including assistance with analysis, development and implementation of security methodologies and safeguards to protect their IT and telecommunications assets.
  • Provide technical training for all aspects of information security relative to personal computers, file servers, and networks.
  • Provide virus detection, elimination, and prevention support.

Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Continuity Planning and Risk Assessments - Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Continuity Planning, Risk Assessments, and other related tasks in support of the mitigation of risks to information technology and telecommunications/network systems and infrastructure that make up this category. Through quantitative risk analyses establish recovery time and recovery point objectives, effective mitigation strategies, and documented disaster recovery plans. Assess adequacy of existing management, operational, and technical controls in safeguarding assets against waste, loss, unauthorized access/use, misappropriation to establish the consequences/impact of the potential threats on operations and service delivery requirements.

  • Work with vendors who specialize in hot site and cold site disaster recovery services.
  • Work with executive management to explain recovery alternatives, their costs, and the benefits and disadvantages of each alternative.
  • Identify and implement technical solutions to disaster recovery business requirements.
  • Review, develop, update and/or integrate disaster recovery, continuity of operations plans, business continuity plans, contingency plans, and risk assessments.
  • Identify, develop and/or implement mitigation strategies to increase the effectiveness of operations and the continuity of service.
  • Test and evaluate Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans.

Internet, Intranet & eGovernment:

The Internet, intranet and eGovernment services category includes development of static websites and eGovernment services; both externally (Internet) facing and internally (intranet and extranet) facing. The definition the State uses of a static website versus an eGovernment service can be found in the eGovernment services certification standard.

Executive branch agency static websites must follow the Governor’s mt.gov compliance criteria that can be found at http://templates.mt.gov. All eGovernment services must follow the guidelines for the eGovernment service certification standard that is located on ITSD’s Internet website. Any work completed in this category must also conform to accessibility standards. When approving Internet, intranet, and eGovernment services, ITSD follows the “Contracted Web Work Procedures” that are also published on ITSD’s Internet website.

Services in this category can include a variety of web development such as redesigning content presentation, converting content to the mt.gov templates, managing content, providing quality assurance services, developing forms, creating transactional based services and database driven services. Resulting work must fit within the state of Montana’s standard web-hosting environment and development standards.

Mainframe Applications:

This service category includes mainframe applications and database development services. Mainframe Application Services includes the traditional application system analysis and programming services typically performed by a project manager, systems analyst, senior programmer/analyst, and/or programmer/analyst. Requirements for this service category may include all or a combination of the following: overall project management, technology research, information gathering, feasibility studies, report writing, agency requirements analysis, systems analysis, conversion analysis, system design, systems development (programming), system testing, installation, integration, operation, maintenance, training, and support.

Mainframe Application Services sub-categories

A. Systems Analysis

  • Needs assessment
  • Requirements definition
  • Interface analysis
  • Conversion analysis

B. Application Development/Programming

  • Standards for application development environments: See state standards at http://itsd.mt.gov/policy/ SupportedSoftware/ByCategory.asp
  • Key database environments: IDMS.
  • Server platforms: IBM Z/OS.
  • Key development tools/environments: COBOL (Batch), ADS/O, Culprit, CICS, VSAM, and various utilities.
  • CASE tools

C. Implementation

  • Installing the technical configuration
  • Implementing the application system
  • Supporting the system during the stabilization phase
  • Decommissioning the replaced application

D. Testing and Conversions

  • Developing data conversion strategy
  • Developing test scripts
  • Developing test data
  • Unit testing, system verification

E. Training/Support

  • Trouble-shooting application problems
  • Conducting customer training
  • Developing training materials
  • Preparing user documentation

F. Database Development

  • Conducting data analysis meeting with customers
  • Developing logical data models
  • Transition of a logical data model into a physical data model
  • The use of data modeling CASE tools
  • Data warehouse applications

G. Develop, Test and Implement Enhancements

  • Programming
  • Developing test data
  • Developing test plans
  • Unit and system testing
  • Customer verification
  • Program module movement
  • Implementing enhancements

H. Performance Tuning

  • Applications tuning
  • Network communications
  • Database pieces

PeopleSoft Services:

The PeopleSoft services will include traditional application system analysis and programming services. These services will need to be provided by individuals that have PeopleTools, PeopleCode, SQR, and Application Engine, nVision or Crystal experience depending on the specific need. They will also need to be familiar with the PeopleSoft Enterprise Portal, PeopleSoft Human Capital Management or PeopleSoft Financials depending on the specific need. It is preferred that these individuals have Public Sector experience.

In addition to traditional system analysis and programming services the State could seek more technical expertise to support the SABHRS PeopleSoft Administration, Database Administration, Reporting, Security, Reporting and Archiving staff. The requests for technical support would consist of tasks such as supplementing the State's staff in order to help them complete their day-to-day support requirements in a timely manner, reviewing the technical architecture, reviewing the security configurations and providing PeopleSoft tuning assistance.

Project Management Services:

Project Management Services may include scope definition and requirements gathering, effort and cost estimation, and the development of project processes including quality control, communication control, change control and risk management. The Contractor will provide knowledge transfer to the State in various project management aspects. Some of those aspects are: a methodology utilizing best practices, cost analysis, performance analysis, cost benefit analysis, independent coding analysis, project reporting and documentation, performance measures, and platform determination. The Contractor may also provide assistance in RFP drafting, contract negotiations and management, and staff training. If the Contractor does provide assistance in RFP drafting, the Contractor will be precluded from bidding on that RFP and/or any subsequent work as a result of that RFP.

Project Management Services may apply to any IT discipline, including any of the Master Contract Service Categories.

Public Safety Services:

The State of Montana is seeking qualified companies to provide Public Safety consulting and technical assistance. These Contractors would assist the State in the delivery of a variety of interoperable Public Safety solutions, including Public Safety Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS) and Enhanced and Wireless E911.

Public Safety Land Mobile Radio Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Contractors will assist the State in determining which infrastructure, mobile and portable equipment should be procured to meet the stringent physical, technical, and operational requirements of the public safety communications environment in accordance with the technical requirements of the SIEC) which include P25 compliant radio systems, in the narrowband, digital, configuration. These systems must be voice and/or data compliant with Concept Demonstration Plan (CDP) 1 and 2 systems and must be backward compliant with existing conventional systems and agency system infrastructure, and must achieve interoperability with neighboring LMR systems. Appropriate research and understanding of the communication system infrastructure and its capabilities, features, and functions must be undertaken prior to the procurement of mobile and portable equipment.

Duties may include project management services specific to public safety communications to analyze current environment, assessments and to oversee contractual commitment verification, RFP compliance, project schedule tracking, problem resolution oversight, technical acceptance testing procedure (ATP) modification and verification.

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System CAD Contractors may provide the State consulting and technical assistance in the procurement, implementation and/or operation of a complete and functional CAD solution or with any of the necessary components. CAD systems include all components necessary to provide a system capable of all standard law enforcement, fire/EMS, and public safety/works dispatching, interface functions, warranty, and support and maintenance services.

CAD systems must support multiple-agency and multiple-jurisdictional dispatching. Regional CAD-to-CAD interfaces may be required; enabling the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to share incident data - upon the need/availability and/or provision of the telecommunication lines required at the respective PSAP/jurisdiction.

Systems may require maps to be drawn internally, digitized from external sources, and imported from other mapping programs. Preference will be given to companies with experience using the following ESRI products: Workstation Arc/Info, Arc 8.x (ArcMap, Arc Catalog, ArcToolbox), ArcIms, Arc SDE, Map Objects, and/or ArcView 3.x.

Records Management System (RMS) RMS Contractors will provide the State experience and expertise in public safety communications Records Management Systems. RMS systems include all components necessary to provide a system capable of serving as a repository for all standard law enforcement records, provide interface functions and warranty and support and maintenance services.

Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1). E9-1-1 systems deliver emergency services to all communities in Montana through city, county, tribal, state and federal government agencies. Services provided must be consistent with industry standards and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

Duties may include working with GIS databases and systems for rural addressing and master street address guides (MSAG); assisting in identifying technical and interface requirements from local telephone service providers and in selecting proper equipment from vendors; and project management services specific to public safety communications to analyze current environment, perform needs assessments and to oversee contractual commitment verification, RFP compliance, project schedule tracking, problem resolution oversight, technical acceptance testing procedure (ATP) modification and verification.

Quality Assurance:

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) defines Quality Assurance (QA) as: “the planned and systematic pattern of actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that an item or product conforms to established technical requirements.”

This Service Category includes project oversight/auditing activities, which would provide the identification, analysis, resolution, and prevention of problems that may occur within IT development projects. Quality Assurance provides the technical expertise and services to examine and test requirements, plans, schedules, execution, and work results for system development processes. Testing services may be independent or part of a development team. QA may be required to configure and maintain multiple test environments by creating and maintaining system test data. QA executes or monitors all defined system, volume/stress, and acceptance testing. QA may also be required to review design documents, source code, and implementation and test documents in order to perform accurate testing and validate compliance with the system/software requirements and actual system functionality.

Other QA services include Requirements Engineering & Management, Product Inspections, Audits, & Analysis, Software Engineering, Test Engineering & Execution, Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V), Configuration Management/Version Control, Software Metrics & Measurement, Process Improvement, IT Governance, and Technical Writing.

Telecommunications:

Telecommunications services will provide consulting and technical assistance for the rapid changes in technology and regulatory practices concerning the State’s voice, video and data networks. Services include: business process analysis and planning, strategic planning (short and long-term planning), tactical planning, functional analysis, feasibility studies, technology and equipment research, and design of a wide variety of telecommunications systems and services. Contractor may also provide assistance on regulatory issues, which may include review and analysis of regulations (state and federal), tariffs and legislation concerning telecommunications in the State of Montana. Project assignments may include analysis and development of new systems or analysis and/or modification of existing systems, such as network infrastructure, VOIP, microwave, Internet services, wireless systems, equipment, cost recovery models, wiring, E911, etc.; reporting on trends in telecommunications, market assessments/marketplace opportunities, emerging technology issues; monitoring, analysis, response drafting and/or bill drafting for regulatory issues, tariff filings, and/or legislation, as well as testifying before regulatory bodies and/or legislators.