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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP - 9908 LICENSING, PERMITTING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS & IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES Financial Services Purchasing Division 215 N. Mason St. 2nd Floor PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6775 fcgov.com/purchasing REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL for Licensing, Permitting and Code Enforcement Systems & Implementation Services RFP # 9908 RFP RESPONSE DUE: 3:00 PM MST, February 9, 2024 RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 2 of 55 Table of Contents 1 RFP INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND .............................................................................. 5 1.1 Letter from Procurement Director ....................................................................................... 5 1.2 RFP Intro ............................................................................................................................. 8 1.2 About The City ..................................................................................................................... 8 1.2.1 City LPCE Departments ............................................................................................................. 9 1.2.2 Information Technology Organization ..................................................................................... 10 1.2.3 Other City Initiatives ............................................................................................................... 10 1.3 Project Objectives .............................................................................................................. 11 1.4 RFP Schedule of Events ..................................................................................................... 16 1.5 RFP Minimum Requirements .............................................................................................. 16 1.6 RFP Questions ................................................................................................................... 17 1.7 Addenda ............................................................................................................................ 17 1.8 Proposal General Instructions ............................................................................................ 17 1.9 Proposal Format ................................................................................................................ 18 1.10 Proposal Submission Requirements ................................................................................. 18 2 PROJECT SCOPE ................................................................................................................... 19 2.1 Drivers For Replacement ................................................................................................... 21 2.2 Current State ..................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.1 Existing Technical And Accela Environment ............................................................................ 22 2.2.2 LPCE Current Statistics ............................................................................................................ 24 2.2.3 LPCE Current Hi-Level Workflow ............................................................................................. 25 2.3 Target State ....................................................................................................................... 30 2.3.1 Functional Components ........................................................................................................... 30 2.3.2 LPCE Fee Schedules ................................................................................................................ 31 2.3.3 Interfaces And Integration Points ........................................................................................... 32 2.3.4 Data Access Solution – Reporting And Queries ....................................................................... 32 2.3.5 Comprehensive Solution .......................................................................................................... 32 2.3.6 Ongoing Software Product Support ......................................................................................... 41 2.4 Optional Modules and Services .......................................................................................... 41 2.5 Technology Managed Services .......................................................................................... 42 3 PROPOSAL EVENTS & EVALUATION ................................................................................. 43 3.1 Pre-Proposal Conference Conducted ................................................................................. 43 3.2 Vendors’ Written RFP Clarification Requests Due .............................................................. 43 3.3 Proposal AddendA ............................................................................................................. 43 3.4 Proposals Due .................................................................................................................... 43 3.5 LPCE Software Demonstrations ......................................................................................... 43 RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 3 of 55 3.6 Oral Presentation ............................................................................................................... 44 3.7 Reference Checks .............................................................................................................. 44 3.8 Down Select Vendor Of Choice .......................................................................................... 44 3.9 Initial Solution Scoping Sessions ....................................................................................... 45 3.10 Vendor Best and Final Offer ............................................................................................ 45 3.11 The City Confirms Total Solution & Vendor of Choice ..................................................... 45 3.12 Contract & SOW Negotiations Complete with Vendor ..................................................... 45 3.13 Contracts Awarded .......................................................................................................... 46 3.14 Implementation Project Begins ........................................................................................ 46 3.15 Proposal Evaluation ......................................................................................................... 46 3.16 Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................... 46 4 POLICIES GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS ................................................ 49 4.1 Basis for Proposal .............................................................................................................. 49 4.2 Terms and Conditions ........................................................................................................ 49 4.3 Signing of Proposals .......................................................................................................... 49 4.4 Cost of Proposal ................................................................................................................ 49 4.5 Conflict of Interest, Non-Collusion and Anti-Lobbying ....................................................... 50 4.6 Confidentiality, Materials Submitted and Ownership of Proposals ..................................... 50 4.7 Disqualification or Rejection of Proposals .......................................................................... 50 4.8 Right to Waive proposal Irregularities ............................................................................... 51 4.9 RFP Irregularities ............................................................................................................... 51 4.10 Prior Agreements ............................................................................................................. 51 4.11 Withdrawal of Proposals .................................................................................................. 51 4.12 Amending of Proposals .................................................................................................... 51 4.13 Reservation of Rights ...................................................................................................... 52 4.14 Proposal Offer Firm .......................................................................................................... 52 4.15 Exceptions to RFP Specifications ..................................................................................... 52 4.16 Consideration of Proposals .............................................................................................. 52 4.17 Award of Contract ............................................................................................................ 53 4.18 Notice to Unsuccessful Vendors ....................................................................................... 53 4.19 Negotiation of Contracts .................................................................................................. 53 4.20 Execution of Contracts ..................................................................................................... 54 4.21 TMG Consulting ............................................................................................................... 54 5 ATTACHMENT LISTING ....................................................................................................... 55 Attachment A – Response Form .............................................................................................. 55 Attachment B – Integration And Interfaces ............................................................................. 55 Attachment C – Pricing Form ................................................................................................... 55 Attachment D – Staffing Form ................................................................................................. 55 RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 4 of 55 Attachment E – Functional Matrix ............................................................................................ 55 Attachment F – Exceptions Conflicts and Clarifications ........................................................... 55 Attachment G – Manual Processes .......................................................................................... 55 Attachment H – SaaS Cyber Vendor Questionnaire ................................................................. 55 Attachment I – Vendor Acknowledgement Form ..................................................................... 55 Attachment J – Insurance Form .............................................................................................. 55 Attachment K – Sample LPCE Types ....................................................................................... 55 Attachment L – Sample Critical Reports .................................................................................. 55 Attachment M – Data Conversion ............................................................................................ 55 Attachment N – Sample Planning Application TYpes ............................................................... 55 Attachment O – Special Provisions .......................................................................................... 55 Attachment P – Records Retention Schedule .......................................................................... 55 RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 5 of 55 1 RFP INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND 1.1 LETTER FROM PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR The City of Fort Collins (“City”) is requesting proposals from qualified firms for the purchase of a Licensing, Permitting and Code Enforcement (LPCE) Solution and Solution Implementation Services. As part of City’s commitment to sustainability, proposals must be submitted online through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (RMEPS) at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city- of-fort-collins. Note: please ensure adequate time to submit proposals through RMEPS. Proposals not submitted by the designated Opening Date and Time will not be accepted by RMEPS. A pre-proposal meeting will be held virtually on January 17, 2024 at 10:00 AM MDT. The pre-proposal meeting will be hosted on-line via Microsoft Teams. Select or copy/paste the link below into your browser for access to the meeting. Please be prepared to announce your name and mute your microphone: Microsoft Teams Click here to join the meeting Web Address: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting?rtc=1 Meeting ID: 297 302 248 485 Passcode: zXZNqZ All questions should be submitted, in writing via email, to Gerry Paul, Purchasing Director at gpaul@fcgov.com, with a copy to Jim Anderson (jim.anderson@tmgconsulting.com) no later than 3:00 PM MDT on January 22, 2024. Please format your e-mail to include RFP 9908 Licensing, Permitting and Code Enforcement Systems and Implementation Services in the subject line. Questions received after this deadline may not be answered. Responses to all questions submitted before the deadline will be addressed in an addendum and posted on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System webpage. Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System hosted by BidNet A copy of the RFP may be obtained at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins. This RFP has been posted utilizing the following Commodity Code(s): § 20800 Computer Software for Microcomputers, Systems, Including Cloud-Based (Preprogrammed) § 20880 Software, Microcomputer (Not Otherwise Classified) § 20900 Computer Software for Mini and Mainframe Computers (Preprogrammed) § 20987 Software, Mini/Mainframe Computer (Not Otherwise Classified) § 92045 Software Maintenance/Support RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 6 of 55 Prohibition of Unlawful Discrimination: The City of Fort Collins, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d- 4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The City strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based on an individual’s gender (regardless of gender identity or gender expression), race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age 40 years or older, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by law. For this policy “sexual orientation” means a person’s actual or perceived orientation toward heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality. The City also strictly prohibits unlawful harassment in the workplace, including sexual harassment. Further, The City strictly prohibits unlawful retaliation against a person who engages in protected activity. Protected activity includes an employee complaining that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of the above policy or participating in an employment discrimination proceeding. The City requires its Contractors to comply with The City’s policy for equal employment opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. This requirement applies to all third-party Contractors and their subcontractors at every tier. Public Viewing Copy: The City is a governmental entity subject to the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 et seq. (“CORA”). Any proposals submitted hereunder are subject to public disclosure by the City pursuant to CORA and City ordinances. Vendors may submit one (1) additional complete proposal clearly marked “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.” In this version of their proposal, Vendors may redact text and/or data that it deems confidential or proprietary pursuant to CORA. All pricing will be considered public records subject to disclosure under CORA and as such pricing cannot be redacted from the “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING” version of the proposal. Failure to provide a public viewing copy will be considered a waiver of any claim of confidentiality under CORA without regard to how the applicant’s proposal or certain pages of the proposal are marked confidential, proprietary, or similar. Such a statement does not necessarily exempt such documentation from public disclosure if required by CORA, by order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or other applicable law. Generally, under CORA, trade secrets, confidential commercial information and financial data information may not be required to be disclosed by The City. Proposals may not be marked “Confidential” or ‘Proprietary’ in their entirety. By responding to this RFP, Vendors hereby waives all claims for damages against the City for the City’s good faith compliance with CORA. All provisions and pricing of any contract resulting from this request for proposal will be public information. Vendor Registration: The City requires new Vendors receiving awards from the City to submit IRS form W-9 and requires all Vendors to accept Direct Deposit (Electronic) payment. If needed, the W-9 form, and the Vendor Direct Deposit Authorization Form can be found on the RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 7 of 55 City’s Purchasing website at www.fcgov.com/purchasing under Vendor Reference Documents. Please do not submit these documents with your proposal, however, if you take exception to participating in Direct Deposit (Electronic) payments please clearly note such in your proposal as an exception. The City may waive the requirement to participate in Direct Deposit (Electronic) payments at its sole discretion. Sales Prohibited/Conflict of Interest: No officer, employee, or member of City Council, shall have a financial interest in the sale to the City of any real or personal property, equipment, material, supplies or services where such officer or employee exercises directly or indirectly any decision-making authority concerning such sale or any supervisory authority over the services to be rendered. This rule also applies to subcontracts with the City. Soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity favor, entertainment, kickback, or any item of monetary value from any person who has or is seeking to do business with the City of Fort Collins is prohibited. Collusive or Sham Proposals: Any proposal deemed to be collusive, or a sham proposal will be rejected and reported to authorities as such. Your authorized signature of this proposal assures that such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals and to waive any irregularities or informalities. Utilization of Award by Other Agencies: The City reserves the right to allow other state and local governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and/or school districts to utilize the resulting award under all terms and conditions specified and upon agreement by all parties. Usage by any other entity shall not have a negative impact on the City in the current term or in any future terms. TMG Consulting: The City has retained the services of TMG Consulting, an RIA Company for assistance with this procurement. Confidential information shall be shared with TMG Consulting. Sincerely, Gerry Paul Purchasing Director RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 8 of 55 1.2 RFP INTRO This document constitutes a Request for Proposal hereinafter “RFP” for the purchase and implementation of a Solution for Licensing, Permitting and Code Enforcement (LPCE). This solution will consist of an LPCE System including Cashiering, a Customer Self-Service Portal, a Mobile Workforce Management System (MWM), and the provision of Ongoing Operational Support/Managed Services (Both Business-focused and Technical-focused) for these systems. The City is requiring a cloud-hosted solution that is easy to configure in-house for new permit and license types. The goal is to implement an integrated software suite that will lead the City to an efficient and user-friendly system. The primary goal is to streamline processes, enhance operational excellence, and allow staff to focus their time on the most valuable activities. This will be a competitive solicitation process. Qualified individuals, firms, contractors, consultants, or entities hereinafter “Vendors,” who meet the requirements set forth in this RFP and can provide the services requested, are encouraged to participate. The City is seeking proposals only from experienced Vendors in response to this RFP. The City is looking for a Vendor that has a well-defined methodology with a documented success record and professional, experienced resources, and who is prepared to take on contractual responsibility for the implementation. The City also expects a full partnership with a single Vendor (including involvement of a System Integrator) where all key decisions require the City’s involvement and voice at the leadership level. The System Integrator and Software Vendor will be accountable contractually to the City. The City expects full transparency in all communications between all parties. The term Vendor will encompass an individual Software Vendor or System Integrator submitting a solution with or without partners. In any event there should be a lead Vendor in the Partnered Solution who is assuming Primary Software Vendor responsibility. While the Vendor may submit a proposal that utilizes products and/or services from several sub- contractors, the City is requiring that the Vendor assume primary responsibility as the single point of contact regarding the completion of the solution implementation effort under the direction of the City. Vendors must note that the City will inquire about the working history between partnered Vendors and will encourage partnerships where the parties have referenceable history together. 1.2 ABOUT THE CITY Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 168,000 including over 37,000 college students located 65 miles north of Denver in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The City provides municipal utility services, including electric and stormwater services, for approximately 87,000 customers; water, and wastewater services for approximately 35,000 customers; broadband services to a growing number of customers throughout the community; and is considering adding municipal trash services to some of the community in the future. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 9 of 55 For more information about the City of Fort Collins, please visit www.fcgov.com. 1.2.1 CITY LPCE DEPARTMENTS The users of the current LPCE systems span many areas of the City as well as some entities outside of the City. The current users of the systems are indicated in blue in the org chart below. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 10 of 55 1.2.2 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATION City IT provides support for IT infrastructure and applications. The graphic below displays the IT organizational structure and number of positions. 1.2.3 OTHER CITY INITIATIVES The City has other key concurrent initiatives underway over the next one-to-two years, including, but are not limited to, the following table. These initiatives may have a material impact to the LPCE project. # Description 1 Digital Transformation of Fort Collins primary website: www.fcgov.com 2 Implementation of Recreation software 3 Implementation of a new CIS from VertexOne 4 Upgrade and enhancements to ESRI GIS 5 City-wide Organizational Change Management initiative RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 11 of 55 1.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES LPCE Goals & Objectives General LPCE Objectives • Information and Record Keeping: Easily see the history of permits/violations attached to a specific property or license, link licenses/permits to specific projects/properties, run and extract reports. • Workflow: Build workflows for different permit/license types with specific approvals in defined order, allow for automation of task signoffs based on application, allow for multiple “statuses” for each task, easily create new workflows. Customizable notifications for tasks (that is, some workflows will notify when tasks enter a queue, some will not). Ability to assign a task or project to a specific individual within a specific department within the City. That is, one-stop shop (application, review, payment, inspection all in one). • Approvals Process: Set target times for review/approval, allow “gatekeeping” function, allow commenting on plans/applications, allow for partial/conditional approval. • Document Management and Review: Generate official documents, manage multiple versions of plans/applications/other submittal documents, allow for commenting on plans/applications, interface with Citizen Portal and public records platform to ensure proper documents are publicly available. • Correspondence Tracking: Automate email communications at key points during the permit process, see when emails are sent, see when resubmittals are received. • Payment Processing: Accept e-check and credit card payments, accept partial payments, process refunds and voids, reporting. • Fee Schedules: Maintain list of fees, ability to easily update fees, allow for fee waiver thresholds, ability to add custom amounts to individual fees. • Reporting - Self-Service Reporting: Ability to generate reports based on various metadata relevant to defined processes. Ability to access data directly for easy custom reporting. • Mobile application(s): For field workers. • GIS/Mapping integration: Integration for primary Application as well as mobile App. Integration of departments outside of CDNS (Community Development & RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 12 of 55 Neighborhood Services) into the system, and, preferably integration of entities outside of the City as well. Planning & Development Objectives • Process Optimization: Improve linkage between Permitting and Land Development processes. (referencing system between development review applications and building permits, development construction permits, etc., including noting the development review project # on the permit application). Have the Development Review process within a single system. Including allowing multiple review rounds/iterations. Implement automated reminders and notifications for stakeholders. • Enhanced Online Capabilities: Allow online submissions and document uploads. Provide comprehensive online status tracking and information access for applicants. Ability to turn off and on automated communication to applicants at specific workflow stages. Continued integration with website, GIS, FCMaps, Citizen Access Portal. • Customer-Centric Approach: Design systems and processes with the customer in mind. Ability to send multiple reminders and notifications. Focusing on customer feedback and engagement, should have the ability to generate and store Customer Surveys within the system. • Integration and Efficiency: Fold external project components into the development review process. [example, Historic Surveys, boards and commissions as appropriate]. Ensure alignment between development projects and future construction documents along with external reviews [Historic Preservation, etc.] during Building Permit stage. Provide easy access to approved plans for Building permit technicians and applicants. • Reporting and Data Accessibility: Generate detailed monthly and quarterly reports to monitor project duration, specifically for how long a project is “in the City’s hands.” Simplify data extraction for users via excel spreadsheets and empower users to create reports and queries without IT intervention. • Process Improvements: Have the option for interrelated records between Development Review and Building Permits. Opportunities for “Building Code Review Only “on any permit, linking to the active Development Project. Simplify and automate the use of system-populated comment letter templates. Additional formatting and editing should not be necessary. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 13 of 55 Licensing Specific Objectives • Online application (completion that goes directly into system) with attachments (supporting documents), workflow (including auto-generated reminders and letters with ability to update letters easily) and ability to update status - viewable to customers. • Online portal for customers to check status of their licenses and ability pull certificates and wallet cards • Violation tracking that can also tie into inspector violations if Vendor involved. • Robust system automation including system generation of things like license/registration numbers • Key areas within permitting to avoid issuance based on expired/needed information within licensing - better linkage between permitting and licensing. • Ability to easily add license classifications, when needed Permitting Specific Objectives • Information & Record Keeping: New construction, financial reports, permit status reports, expiration reports, generating permits, COs/TCOs, etc. Additional Expectations • Linkage between the Permitting and Land Development processes (tighter referencing system between development review applications and building permits, such as noting the development review project # on the permit application) • Building Permit Application thru Approval (including auto-issuance of certain permit types, ability to re-open tasks, request clarification/resubmittal, etc.) • Ability for customers to upload documents online • TCEF (Transportation Capital Expansion Fees) and other fee types o Ability to consider the different / unique methodology TCEF (and other fees) use. o Ability to see historic instances of TCEF (and other fees) being paid with previous changes on the property. • Collaboration between departments, customer self-service (opportunities for better coordination so customers have a single point-of-contact rather than treating each sign-off as separate, disconnected process) RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 14 of 55 • Integrated Survey payment processing • Increased internal and external access to inspection scheduling / information • Mobile app for building inspectors • Integrated electronic plan review Inspections Objectives • Information & Record Keeping: daily inspection count, inspections assigned to each inspector, • Timeline tracking. (tracking 30-day notices for violation letters as well as for TCOs) • Scheduling Inspections • Assignment/Perform Inspections (including commenting/ passing / failing inspections) • Inspection scheduling (IVR, etc.) • IVR module/integration capability and/or other functionality (SMS) to provide alternative methods for inspection scheduling • Ability for applicant to request follow up inspection • Ability for outside entities (e.g., Poudre Fire, Engineering, etc.) to sign-off on inspections Compliance / Code Enforcement Objectives • Information & Record Keeping: daily inspection count, inspections assigned to each inspector • Track violations • Send violation letters • Make notes all in one system (e.g., such as complaint details, inspector observed violation details and subsequent notes related to violation correction and payment collection) • Mobile App for Code Compliance field staff (exists today) • Mobile App for Environmental Compliance (no mobile app today) RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 15 of 55 Customer Self-Service Objectives • Comprehensive Online Portal: Develop an online portal for application submission, permit status tracking, and payment processing. Enable customers to upload various documents online (e.g., insurance, permit-related documents, final inspection reports). o Online Payment Services: Enable online payment options for various licenses and permits. o License Status Monitoring: Allow customers to check the status of their licenses (e.g., Marijuana & Liquor licenses, Contractor Licenses) through the online portal. • Efficient Application Handling: Provide customers with the capability to complete and submit multiple applications simultaneously. • Automated Permit Issuance: Implement an "auto-issue" feature for specific permit types to expedite the process. • Integrated Service Collaboration: Foster interdepartmental collaboration to offer comprehensive customer self-service. Create a seamless experience, eliminating the need for customers to visit different locations or entities (e.g., Floodplain, Stormwater, other Utilities). • Efficient Inspection Scheduling: Enable online scheduling of inspections, via an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems or similar platforms and / or public- facing portal. Allow customers to schedule multiple inspections simultaneously for increased convenience. Field MWM Objectives • A Web Responsive Design or app suitable for iOS and Android devices • Map integration • Store and Forward Buffering • Robust/complete set of back-office tools for employee engagement and management • Allowance for work order processing • Allowance for a single or crew entity processing • Supervisory experience and control • All work order history and reporting • Apps for mobile devices that are written/integrated with the core application to support functions such as code and building inspection RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 16 of 55 1.4 RFP SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Subject to change Activity Date & Time RFP Issued 1/10/2024 Pre-Proposal Conference Conducted 1/17/2024, 10AM MDT Vendors’ written questions and RFP clarification requests due 1/22/2024, 3PM MDT Proposal addendum issued re: written responses to RFP clarification requests 1/26/2024 Proposal Due Date & Time 2/9/2024, 3PM MDT Phase 1 Evaluation to Short-List February - March 2024 Software / Solution Demonstrations February - March 2024 Vendor Oral Presentations & Reference Checks February - March 2024 City Down-selection to Vendor of Choice March 2024 City Initial Solution Scoping Sessions March 2024 Vendor Best & Final Offer Received April 2024 City Confirmation of Total Solution & Vendor of Choice April - 2024 Contract and SOW Negotiations Complete with Vendor of Choice May 2024 Contract Package Signatures - Project Initiated May 2024 Projected Start of Engagement July – August 2024 1.5 RFP MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS The City expects the proposed Solution(s) will meet the following minimum requirements and that each of these requirements will be included in and clearly addressed as part of the Proposal. In reviewing these minimum requirements, Vendors should consider each item’s relevance to the specific solution or service being proposed and, if not relevant, explain the reasons. Proposals may be rejected at the sole discretion of the City if they do not meet these minimum requirements: # Description 1 Must be installed with Proposed Solution at five municipalities of similar or larger size within the past five years that are cloud-based (Planning, Permitting, Code, Inspections, Licensing, CSS, and Field/MWM) 2 Must be a Cloud (SaaS) - based solution 3 Microsoft SQL Server is the preferred RDBMS RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 17 of 55 4 COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) Solution with minimum enhancements / modifications/customization required 5 Responsive Design and ability to become compliant with CO ADA HB-21-1110 (July 2024) 6 Must meet all City of Fort Collins Cyber Security requirements as defined in the SaaS Cyber Vendor Questionnaire (RFP Attachment H) 7 Proposed Solution must be online/electronic with a minimal use of paper 8 Vendor Corporate financial strength, and a proven, reference-able track record 1.6 RFP QUESTIONS All questions should be submitted before the deadline stated on the RFP cover sheet in writing via email to gspaul@fcgov.com with a copy to jim.anderson@tmgconsulting.com, citing the RFP section and paragraph number. Prospective Vendors should note that all questions, including those relating to the terms and conditions stated in Attachment O, Special Provisions should be resolved prior to the submission of a Proposal. Failure on the part of Vendor to make a careful examination of the RFP documents or to thoroughly investigate the conditions of the RFP shall not be grounds for a declaration that the Vendor did not understand the RFP package. 1.7 ADDENDA The City shall not be responsible for any oral instructions given by any employees, officials, advisors, or agents of the City regarding the proposal instructions, specifications, or proposal documents as described in this RFP. All questions submitted by the stated deadline will be answered via one or more Addenda posted on RMEPS. 1.8 PROPOSAL GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Vendors are expected to examine the entire RFP including all Attachments, specifications, special provisions, and instructions. All exceptions shall be identified and explained in writing by Vendor on Attachment F – Exceptions Conflicts and Clarifications. Conflicts shall be marked directly on the pages where they occur, and by referring to a particular page and paragraph number in the Vendor Proposal. In case of conflicts between these RFP documents and those of the Vendor not marked as directed, the RFP documents shall govern. All conflicts shall be clearly explained by the Vendor. Pages contained within this RFP package shall not be electronically altered. The Vendor will define the capabilities of its organization to design, implement, maintain, and support the solution components as outlined within this RFP. Each Proposal submitted must clearly identify each recommended solution. The Vendor must segment their proposal responses as referenced below: RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 18 of 55 1. The RFP response should be prepared in a simple and straightforward manner, using the table format contained within Attachment A – Response Form. Add additional rows to the tables as required. 2. Please do not refer to an answer to another/different question, and do not refer to other documents (except to elaborate Vendor response). 3. Include any additional information that is required to support Vendor response, or which may be helpful to the City in its evaluation, either following the tables, in separate sections of Vendor response, or in an appendix at the end of Vendor Proposal. 1.9 PROPOSAL FORMAT Vendors must use and complete Attachment A – Response Form to this RFP, as their Proposal, both in form, sequence, and materially. Proposals should be straightforward and concise and provide “layman” explanations of all terms that are used in Attachment A – Response Form. Vendor responses must focus on conforming to the RFP instructions, responding to the RFP questions, and on providing concise descriptions and answers. Proposals shall be assembled according to the following guidelines: 1. Electronic submission is required through Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (RMEPS) 2. Page size must be 8 ½ x 11 inches for all PDFs and Attachments (Note: tables and graphics can vary from this requirement.) 3. Proposals must include a Table of Contents listing all sections, figures, and tables. 4. Sections must have a separation page. 5. All sections and pages must be appropriately identified and numbered. 6. For security reasons, embedded hyperlinks will not be accessed or utilized and should not be placed in any Proposal. Simply copy the desired information to a PDF and attach it to the Proposal. 1.10 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS One (1) electronic copy of the entire Proposal must be submitted within RMEPS by 3:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on the date specified for this event for the Proposal to be considered. All non-spreadsheet response files must be submitted in the Adobe Portable Document format (*.PDF) or the Microsoft Word format (*.DOCX). Spreadsheet response files must be provided in the *.XLS or the *.XLSX Microsoft Excel formats. Supporting documentation shall also be provided in an electronic format. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 19 of 55 2 PROJECT SCOPE Several key systems and service-related components have been identified to achieve the City’s LPCE business objectives which are summarized below. The current LPCE environment is then explained, followed by the desired future system environment (more detailed future system requirements can be found in Attachment A – RFP Response Form). The City is requesting a solution which consists of the following components: 1. Replacement of the LPCE Information Systems The new solution will include all software and services, integration, and configuration required to implement and support the following business processes: • Planning & Development • Licensing • Permitting • Inspections • Code enforcement For all the key business areas, effective financial management must be included. This includes, but is not limited to, the management of fees, invoicing, and escrow accounts. Full LPCE requirements are reflected in Attachment E – Functional Matrix. 2. Replacement of a Customer Self Service Portal (CSS) The solution will include a Customer Self-Service Portal (CSS) and related communication channels to support customer interaction. The CSS requirements are reflected in Attachment E – Functional Matrix. 3. Replacement of Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) The solution will include a City-specific Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) system and functionality as described in this RFP. Field/MWM requirements are reflected in Attachment E – Functional Matrix. 4. Reporting and Data Access Solution The City is seeking access via a standard, intuitive set of tools for reporting and analytics for easy user-run reports and queries. The data access solution and toolset(s) will include all hardware, software, and services required to implement and support application query and reporting within the solution. 5. Full Integration RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 20 of 55 The new solution will contain full integration between the various modules in each of the sub- solutions. The new systems will also facilitate efficient and effective integration to other LPCE components. There must be a clear approach to master data management, supporting both internal integrations as well as external system integrations through industry-standard methods. Integration requirements are reflected in Attachment B – Integrations & Interfaces. 6. Data Conversion The City understands the critical link between a successful project and a successful data conversion. The City requires the Vendor to convert all data required for the implemented solution to function as designed and meet all defined requirements. Vendors must note that the City requires that all converted data is accessible online and usable in the new application. Historical data to be converted as specified in Attachment M – Data Conversion. The City expects data associated with all historic and in-flight work (permit applications, etc.) to be converted to the new system. The City expects the Vendor to review all conversion decisions to ensure adequate data is being converted to meet operational business needs. 7. Software Installation and Environment Management The City expects the Vendor to provide and install the base software, prepare it for access, and lead in configuration activities. In addition, the City expects the Vendor to provide technical architecture services to design and build the eventual production and support environments, in addition to various project environments. The City expects the Vendor to take a lead role in the provisioning and management of these various project environments. 8. Improved Business Processes through Solution Configuration The City expects the Vendor to provide leadership during product configuration to implement common / best practices to deliver the application’s functionality against the City’s requirements. The City will rely principally upon product configuration rather than product modifications/customizations and will consider modifying its business processes to fit the technology workflow(s). The City is committed to embracing universal business processes that are enabled by the baseline software solution and expects the Vendor to provide consultation to the City through the process of standardization. However, the Vendor may modify the product as required to accommodate policy and key business rules-driven processes. The City would like a separate line item (Attachment C – Pricing form) for reviewing its current business processes and helping to document new ones. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 21 of 55 2.1 DRIVERS FOR REPLACEMENT The drivers for replacing the City’s current LPCE solution are (in order of importance): # Description 1 Current on-prem solution is stopping maintenance of their platform June-2025, with support ending Dec-2025 2 Customer Experience - Back End • Increased transparency and visibility across and within business capabilities is needed – as there is minimal transparency today with the legacy solution(s). The City expects visibility across City functions and within capability areas (for example, status and requirements across different departments today, are difficult to see) • Single source of Truth – Today there is no single source of truth – with data residing in multiple systems and formats across City departments 3 Robust Tools are needed to manage/configure workflows. Current systems are difficult to update/add on to (e.g., new permit type or a change to the workflow) 4 Automation of Manual processes is needed– many processes today are Manual and not being facilitated by the current tools used by the City. 5 Customer Experience - Front End • Consistency and elimination of variability across City customer service delivery models – customer service requirements currently vary across the organization from high-touch to desiring self-service. Alignment across departments and services would be extremely beneficial. • Intuitive, consistent website navigation – Today website navigation and content are confusing, creating a disjointed digital experience for consumers of City services. • Digital engagement capabilities are needed – to address the lack of digital enablement and/or gaps in technology for those who cannot make it into the City’s offices in person. 6 Lack of centralized citizen information – Lack of citizen information hinders visibility and communication channels for supporting departments. Unification of information across compliance functions. 7 1-off, external workarounds are in use today. Microsoft Access databases and Excel workbooks are used extensively. 8 Gaps in processes - some processes are not able to be supported within current tools and software 9 Lack of field tools/technology RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 22 of 55 10 Reporting and Analytics – Reporting and Analytics are cumbersome and difficult. Disjointed Metrics - Lack of operational “metrics that matter” 11 Data access and retrieval - Limited capability to store, retrieve data. 12 Lack of integrations with key applications 2.2 CURRENT STATE The following section presents background information regarding the City’s current LPCE profile and environments. Currently, the City’s primary LPCE system is the Accela 21.2.6 on-premise Civic software application. The Accela application is the system of record for a substantial amount of LPCE functions. It is supplemented by various one-off processes many of which are largely performed in Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel. The City’s current on-premise solution consists of permitting, licensing, and code enforcement workflows, providing online application submissions, permit tracking, process review, compliance monitoring, and enforcement actions. Today, City staff utilize a web platform to update workflows, assess fees, and run reports. A customer portal is also available for paying fees, uploading building permit plans, and supporting documents, scheduling building inspections and viewing workflow statuses. Document storage and retrieval is integrated. A 3rd party IVR vendor is leveraged to enable scheduling building inspections via automated phone or text prompts. The primary vendor’s Mobile application is utilized by Building Inspectors and Enforcement Code Officers for their field processes. 2.2.1 EXISTING TECHNICAL AND ACCELA ENVIRONMENT This section includes general information about the technical environment being used by the City. • Accela 21.2.6 Civic Platform • The City currently supports Oracle database platforms, and is moving towards MS SQL Server as its preferred database technology • Integrations today are largely file-based and point-to-point with the Accela solution. • The City has no hard requirements regarding an ESB/SOA for integration and is open to new thoughts and ideas during this procurement process. Web Services using the SOAP 1.x standard is preferred. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 23 of 55 • If proposed, the City will utilize the Vendor proposed solution integration strategy and establish the appropriate integrations with assistance and leadership from the Vendor. Below, the City has provided a high-level architecture diagram of the current Accella Production environment. Laserfiche Laserfiche is the City’s Enterprise Content Management System. It is a document management/business process automation system that is used in conjunction with Accela. It is used for documents (including images, text, annotations, and attached electronic files) that are stored in a central location and separated into various repositories to protect access to sensitive data. Metadata can be assigned to provide additional information about each entry and allow for dynamic searching. Further detail and interface definitions can be found in RFP Attachment B – Integrations and Interfaces. The following diagrams represent the high-level view of current LPCE system components. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 24 of 55 CURRENT STATE – LPCE & SURROUNDING COMPONENTS 2.2.2 LPCE CURRENT STATISTICS LPCE users currently employ multiple technology systems to complete their processes. The following are the current user counts. Vendors shall note: A 10% annual growth rate is anticipated. Area # of Users Planning & Development 100 Contracting Licensing 10 Retail Licensing 11 Number of users that access the system for Permitting 175 Number of users that access the system for Inspections 25 Compliance (Code Enforcement) 20 Mobile Application 25 RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 25 of 55 The following table displays the current system counts: Area Count Building Permits (see Attachment K – Sample Types) 8,000 / year Contracting Licensing (31 types of licenses) 2020 - 1300 (478 for new licenses) 2021 - 1332 (417 for new licenses) 2022 - 1241 (450 for new licenses) 2023 - 1420 (326 for new licenses) Land Development Applications (see Attachment N - Planning Application Types and Attachment K - Sample Types) Estimated growth rate approximately 4% growth rate 2020 - 350, 2021 - 388, 2022 - 363, 2023 - 343 YTD as of Nov-2023 Retail Licensing Estimated annual growth rate for Liquor is 6% Liquor: • Yearly 400-500 • New licenses 15-30, • Transfer of ownership temporary permits 15-30, • Transfer of ownership permanent license 15-30. For Marijuana: • 47; for 2023: Code Enforcement 10,000 cases per year 2.2.3 LPCE CURRENT HI-LEVEL WORKFLOW The following table presents the core LPCE components to be considered by Vendors in their RFP Responses. Core LPCE Current City Workflow Planning & Development The current Planning & Development system in place utilizes a multi-step process to manage project applications. It begins with the receipt of applications via email, where customers frequently use file sharing systems like OneDrive or Dropbox to submit their project materials. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 26 of 55 The City’s Development Review Coordinator (DRC) assigned to the project then saves these files on to the shared drive. To ensure completeness, an Excel spreadsheet is employed to facilitate communication with reviewing departments, allowing them to confirm whether the project is complete, and provide any notes. These notes are especially useful on incomplete projects. Email notifications, including a link to the folder location of the relevant file(s), are sent to the reviewing departments to inform them that the materials are saved, and they are given a specific timeframe to complete the associated Excel spreadsheet. If the materials are deemed complete, the DRC proceeds to build the project in Accela and activate the Accela workflow (note that workflow is not available for all departments, additionally workflow varies per project type). Project files are THEN saved in Bluebeam (the City’s Construction software solution) and a Bluebeam “session” is created, where a collaborative review process can take place among the reviewing departments. The DRC will email the applicant a Letter of Acceptance – notifying the applicant team that the project was accepted as complete and has been routed to the reviewing departments. Weekly Project Summary emails are sent to the reviewing departments, containing details about routed projects, comment due dates, and scheduled project review meetings, and a link to the Bluebeam session. The reviewing departments assess project files in Bluebeam, provide markups when necessary. They will then need to enter comments and complete Accela workflow processes. At the end of the review period the DRC team creates agendas based on all projects which have comments due that week. The City sends an internal-only coordination meeting agenda, and an agenda for the project review meetings with the applicants. These are manually created. Draft comment letters are generated from Accela, typically requiring some formatting adjustments. The DRC also shares a markup summary from Bluebeam in preparation for project review meetings. Following the project review meeting with the applicant team, finalized comment letters are created and sent to the applicant team along with a Bluebeam link to access any available markups. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 27 of 55 The DRC will go into Accela and close out any remaining workflow [if a department did not close out their own workflow that is manually documented in an excel worksheet that the Development Review Manger sends out each month]. The Accela process for Conceptual Reviews and Minor Amendments is similar, but the details of the comment entry and workflow vary per project type, which can be confusing. The manual processes are slightly different also, but generally utilize emails, the files in a shared drive, PDFs, and/or Bluebeam. The current system manages the flow of project applications, integrates collaboration through Bluebeam, and ensures a structured process for reviewing departments and applicants to communicate and track progress. However, the system's reliance on multiple software tools and manual tracking processes presents opportunities for further streamlining and automation to enhance overall efficiency and accuracy. Permitting The current licensing and permitting environment rely on a patchwork of Accela-based systems, spreadsheets, paper applications, and online forms. This means that customers must navigate multiple different systems and requirements depending on the specific license/permit they are seeking. Building Services currently processes 47 different building permit types, with 26 permit types requiring some sort of electronic review and markup. Permit applications are submitted through email, reviewed for completeness, and then a record is created in Accela. Each permit type is associated with a specific workflow of tasks/reviewing departments that must be approved or deactivated prior to permit issuance (ex: Floodplain, Engineering, Poudre Fire Authority, etc.). Many permits begin with a review by the Zoning department to verify that the project meets the Land Use Code requirements. This “gatekeeper” function must be signed off before any other departments may review the permit. Resubmittals may be requested through Accela or through email to update plans to meet code requirements. Once all departments have reviewed, all contractors have been verified, and all fees have been paid, the permit is issued through email and work can begin. Building permits are closed out through inspection and submittal of final documents. The Engineering department administratively processes 14 permit types, of which only two permits are managed through Accela. Engineering administrative staff process payments, track, and document each permit RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 28 of 55 type through a series of spreadsheets and internal workflows. All files are stored on the City’s network drive. Other departments, including Natural Areas and Forestry, also process permits manually using spreadsheets, Access databases, and other internal workflows. Code Enforcement Code Compliance responds to complaint-based violations as well as has field staff proactively patrol for violations using a mobile app. Customer Service staff utilize the desktop version to respond to calls and generate notices. The current system allows for a semi-automated workflow from entering the case, disposition of the case after inspection, reinspection, abatements, invoicing, and citations and adjudication as necessary. The system allows for connection to GIS, so that field staff can drop pins to initiate violation information. There are also several layers or filters that can allow for snow, weeds, approved nature areas, etc. The Zoning and Environmental Services Department (ESD) both have similar compliance requirements and processes. These are all external processes and records currently. Inspections Integrate with MWM See Attachment E – Functional Matrix Licensing Contractor Licensing: Applications come in via in-person, through email, and via USPS. These paper applications then go through the review process by an individual. If there are missing pieces, it is placed in a physical file cabinet until pieces are received. Once the City has a complete application packet, it then goes to an individual for creation of license and cert. numbers (Generated via Excel spreadsheets - each license has its own spreadsheet) and then input into Accela. Once completed, a certificate with wallet card is created by an individual and then mailed, via USPS, to the contractor(s). Once that task is completed, the paper packet is then scanned into the SharePoint location and then uploaded into Laserfiche. Engineering takes in right of way license applications in physical form for bonds, and through email for insurance, application, and other materials. Once reviewed and approved, license records are input into Accela, and physical items (insurance and bonds) are stored in a file cabinet on site. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 29 of 55 Retail Licensing: This is a completely manual process. There is serious concern over loss/misplacement of information. With a completely manual process it is heavily dependent on the licensing specialist to remember to do certain steps in the workflow/process. Customer service is done completely via email and telephone calls. Types and descriptions of retail licenses: Liquor: New Application, Transfer of Ownership, Renewals, Modification of Premises, Temporary Modification of Premises, Corporate Name Change, Change in Corporation or LLC, Change of Location, Surrender of License, Take-out and delivery, Delivery Permit, Art Gallery Permit, Bed and Breakfast Permit, Tastings Permit, Special Events Permit, etc. Marijuana: New application for retail and medical, store, cultivation, manufacturer, testing, research and development, operator Customer Self Service See Attachment E – Functional Matrix Field / MWM See Attachment E – Functional Matrix Cashiering See Attachment E – Functional Matrix Miscellaneous See Attachment E – Functional Matrix RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 30 of 55 2.3 TARGET STATE Below a desired Target State High-level Architecture Diagram has been provided for consideration – including for LPCE and its Adjacent Components/Edge Systems. 2.3.1 FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS The City is committed to embracing business processes that are natively enabled by the baseline software solution and expects the Vendor to guide the City in standardization and simplification of these processes. As stated above, the following is the list of functional areas for the LPCE solution: • Planning & Development • Licensing • Permitting RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 31 of 55 • Inspections • Code Enforcement • Customer Self Service Portal • Mobile Workforce Management • Reporting and Data Access The expanded list of Functional Requirements can be found in Attachment E – Functional Matrix which contains the detailed functionality the City requires within each functional area in a future LPCE environment, as well as general and technical system requirements. 2.3.2 LPCE FEE SCHEDULES The proposed solution should support a series of fees and charges, and the ability to make ads/changes/deletes to the same. The fees are updated as required to support the many activities of the City. Below are a sample of fees: Module # Fees Abbreviated List of Top / Most Common Fees Planning & Development 30+ Minor Amendment - $1,500 Project Development Plan - $27,675 Final Development Plan - $21,575 Preliminary Design Review - $1,000 Basic Development Review - $16,900 Contractor Licensing 6+ New license - $300 Reinstatement - $300 Renewal - $225 Registrations MP and EX - $200 Application fee, non-refundable - $75 Violation fee - $200 Permitting 25+ Fast Track Permit: $65+sales tax Basement Finish: $155 + sales tax Exterior Permits (deck, patio cover, pergola, shade sail, carport, residential pool) - $110 ($38.50 at submittal, $71.50 at issuance) + sales tax Residential Solar Permits - $85 (29.75 at submittal, 55.25 at issuance) + sales tax Alterations: Six tiers - based on valuation New Construction: Cost based on square footage within 14 occupancy types RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 32 of 55 2.3.3 INTERFACES AND INTEGRATION POINTS The proposed solution should permit the City to configure extensions, modifications, and interfaces. The proposed solution will contain the functionality for the integration points shown in Attachment B – Integrations & Interfaces. The Vendor must address each of these extensions and modification requirements within Attachment C – Pricing Form. 2.3.4 DATA ACCESS SOLUTION – REPORTING AND QUERIES The City requires a solution that provides standard and customized reports, as well as predefined and ad-hoc queries that may be scheduled. The solution must ensure that full database access to and distribution of data is in accordance with the City’s information security and compliance policies. The solution must support a “self-service” model for end-users with both basic and advanced skill levels, including an intuitive report designer and ad/hoc query builder for the basic business user and a more sophisticated interface for the advanced user. For reporting, the City will utilize the standard reports that are offered with the base product with reporting needs met at go-live for key reports that are critical for business operations. Once the system(s) are in production, users have learned how to use them, and business processes have been aligned, the need for further reports will be identified and developed by Vendor. There is an “optional service” where the City is requesting the Vendor to provide a reporting team for developing reports that extends beyond key baseline reports necessary for go-live. Vendors should propose the appropriate level of reporting effort for this engagement as part of the requested fixed price. Reporting needs and architecture will be further identified and documented during the Analysis phase, and the complexity of the identified key reports will be determined and documented. Attachment L – Sample Accela Critical Reports contains the current Accela reports that are deemed of high importance. 2.3.5 COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION If any components of the proposed Solution require the City purchase of any hardware, the City understands that many Vendors are not hardware resellers and expects the Vendor to coordinate and work with a hardware vendor of the City’s choice. To obtain a total picture of the proposed solution, the City is requesting the Vendor, based on experience with the proposed solution and on the City attributes in this RFP package, provide the appropriate hardware configuration and pricing (if any hardware is required on the City’s side to access and operate the solution. Attachment A – RFP Response Form contains additional and more detailed scope requirements and considerations for the Solution. Cloud Platform RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 33 of 55 The City is requiring a Cloud platform, either a Managed Platform as a Service (MPaaS), or a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution deployed in a private Cloud infrastructure model. The City looks to the Vendor to propose specific options that will provide the highest level of performance for the City and, at the same time, will inter-operate with existing City systems. At a minimum, the City expects: • Complete access to Cloud-Based reporting and data analysis. • A Disaster Recovery solution. • Service Levels and Monitoring Program. • Hardware patches and hardware upgrades applied. • Application releases and upgrades on a regular basis with no more than once every 6 months to apply a required upgrade. • Deployment in a single tenant Cloud model operated solely for the City and managed by the Vendor. Managed services (business and technical) are desired as baseline service(s) to be provided by the Vendor with associated pricing. • Vendor to consider options such as: storage replication, high-availability and replication technologies, standby databases / log shipping, mirroring. • Cyber Security is critical for the City. It is required that the Vendor’s policies, procedures, personnel, products, and services are used to design, build, configure, deliver, manage data, integrate, test, deploy, and support the solution comply with Attachment H – SaaS Cyber Vendor Questionnaire. • Compliance with Colorado Accessibility Laws Database Environment The City is open to the proposed solution utilizing relational or object-oriented database technology. The City’s preference is Microsoft SQL. Vendor must identify all, and specific database versions, features, levels, and modules required to implement and operate the solution. Client Compute Environment & Connectivity The City prefers a responsive, Browser-based UI (User Interface) to access the Vendor’s cloud- based solution. Define all capabilities in Attachment A – RFP Response Form. Vendor will identify the approach for connecting and authenticating the proposed cloud-based solution/platform with the client computing device(s) allowing user access to the new system(s). A description of the cloud-based infrastructure, communication protocols, network elements, security protocols, data transfer standards, and client component requirements necessary to provide this connectivity is required from the Vendor. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 34 of 55 Additionally, Vendor should specify any/all software required to be installed on the client computing devices (if applicable) regardless of size / functionality and/or any modifications to standard operating system configurations (including any browser extensions or plug-ins required to access the application). Vendor must specify any hardware, software, or service requirements to connect to City’s existing network for this solution acquisition project. Product Offering Vendor must identify all product modules / plug-ins / extensions / enhancements / reports / interfaces required to meet the requirements outlined in this RFP package and in Attachment E – Functional Matrix, required to support the proposed solution. Implementation Services The following outline of services is provided for the Vendor to consider in the formulation and proposal of services to deliver a successful implementation. The Vendor is expected to assume overall accountability for the successful completion of these services and may partner with other firms (and individuals) as required who have experience and expertise with specific services to successfully deliver the Solution. All project activities must be represented in the final, negotiated Project Plan. The Vendor must present its methodology and address the following services including: • Project Management Services. Activities will include but are not limited to work program management, schedule management, project governance, scope management, change management, issue and problem management, cost and budget management, personnel management, facility management, development tools and development environment management, approval management, contract management, reporting and project status management, communication and document management, risk management, quality assurance, and quality control management. • Organizational Change Management (OCM) Services.    The Vendor will participate in reviews of City business processes and workflows impacted by the implementation of the new environment to identify which processes may need to be changed to ensure a successful implementation and participate, and, at times lead, the change management associated with aligning those processes with the solution. This input will ensure the user client base is engaged and the organization is ready to accommodate changes associated with the new environment.  These services will also accommodate all aspects of training development and delivery.  This includes but is not limited to the following:   1. Workflows/Processes. Vendor will lead workshops and deliver business process documentation and workflows associated with software. City LPCE team members knowledgeable in existing business processes and the legacy software solution will participate in these workshops to identify any impacted business RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 35 of 55 processes. Together, with the Vendor, these individuals will document either the current business when it is compatible with the solution or develop and document the new business process consistent with the environment. For primary business processes, a workflow will be developed documenting how the City will utilize the solution to accomplish work. 2. Business Procedures. For the primary business processes, the project team and Vendor will develop and document step-by-step business procedures, along with the forms, screens, reports, etc. necessary to conduct the business process. 3. Staffing Levels. Based upon the new processes and procedures, any potential impact on staffing roles and responsibilities will be identified by the Vendor. 4. Organizational Structure and Governance. Based upon the new processes and procedures along with the identified impacts on staffing levels, the City may see a need to realign or adjust organizational boundaries. This activity works to identify organizational impacts and implement changes in support of the solution and define the ongoing support model needed for the new solution. 5. Offerings. This activity ensures that the City’s current and short-term future programs, products, and services are accurately configured and supported by the solution. If there is an impact to an existing or future offering, activities will occur to make the necessary changes and engage in the formal change process to ensure changes are made, approved, and incorporated into the solution. 6. Strategies. This activity will work to identify strategic impacts and implement changes to customer service or marketing strategies in support of the Project. 7. Communication. Changes to the business environment as discussed in the previous paragraphs will be communicated, through a communication plan, to internal and external users of the solution. This activity will be responsible for communicating changes through the City’s Communications and Public Involvement organization. • Technical Architecture Services. These services are meant to address the development environment, the ongoing operating environment and implementation of the database, design and configuration of the application environments, implementation and certification of the baseline software and ongoing upgrades to the baseline software that occur during the implementation project. Technical Architecture Services shall consist of the following components: 1. Planning the architecture required for development and operation of the solution. This includes overall cloud-based architecture considerations, development environment, integration and middleware environment, operations environment, analytics and reporting environment, support environment, technical environment, data environment, and security environment. It also includes communication RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 36 of 55 protocols, network elements, security protocols, data transfer standards, and client component requirements for accessing and interacting with the Solution. 2. Implementation, configuration, and oversight of acceptance of any software platform, software, environments, and tools necessary to support the development effort. An associated schedule of upgrades to the environments to support various stages of the development effort leading up to production operation. 3. Establishing the training environments and any hardware or cloud computing infrastructure requirements needed to support the training effort. 4. Implementation, configuration, and oversight of acceptance of all components of the software within the cloud solution. 5. Implementation, configuration, and oversight of acceptance of the database software utilized by the software. This includes subsequent upgrades to support newer versions of the database software. 6. Implementation of necessary tools to support the oversight of acceptance and migration of new versions or releases to support the various development, maintenance, and production environments. A migration strategy for new application versions/releases will be put in place to support any “code drops” for identified Reports, Interfaces, Conversations, Extensions, Forms and Workflows (RICEFWs) and fixes. Database administration activities will be conducted on a regular basis to conduct tuning in support of batch and on-line service levels. 7. Initial implementation, configuration, and oversight of acceptance of the base Product. 8. Technical acceptance of “code drops” in support of RICEFW’s and migration of these “code drops” across the various development, maintenance, and production environments per the migration strategy. • Application/Solution Design Services. This will focus on the design and configuration of the solution to meet stated LPCE business requirements, processes, and fees requirements, etc. 1. Processes. Vendor will lead and deliver business process documentation and processes associated with software during a series of scheduled workshops. City LPCE team members knowledgeable in business processes and legacy solution SME’s will participate in these workshops. While Vendor-led, these individuals will assist to identify and document new “To Be” business processes. 2. Requirements. Vendor will provide the City with a largely pre-configured product offering. Vendor will take the lead in further configuring the product working with the City team members trained in the software. Knowledge transfer will occur during the project, with reinforcement toward the end/go-live date for the City to understand how to modify and support this configuration process. The primary method of RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 37 of 55 meeting the City’s' business requirements and processing will be through configuration rather than customization, as stated earlier. The Vendor will lead the design effort based on the City’s and industry best practices, utilizing out of the box configurations wherever possible. This activity will include the creation of functional design specifications, configuration workbooks, and other documentation to ensure the City’s LPCE solution is well documented. 3. Rules and Fees. This activity ensures that City’s rules of service and associated fees are properly accounted for and accommodated within the solution. If there is an impact on a rule or fee during implementation, activities will occur to make the necessary changes and engage in the formal change process to ensure changes are made and approved. • Application/Solution Development Services. Focus on developing the baseline solution to meet the City’s specific needs. It focuses on the following areas: 1. Rules and Fees. This activity ensures that City’s rules of service and associated fees are properly accounted for and accommodated within the solution. If there is an 2. Enhancements/Extensions. While product enhancements or extensions are not the preferred method for realizing functionality, there may be instances where it is required to enhance the solution. This activity deals with the identification, design, programming, unit testing, and delivery of product extensions to the City’s environment. These extensions will be delivered into a system testing and user acceptance environment. 3. Interfaces and Integrations. The City has several interfaces and integration points which will require the development of either a one-way or two-way interface for the target solution and the identified applications. This activity deals with the identification, design, programming, unit testing, and delivery of the integration to the City’s LPCE environment. These interfaces will be delivered into a system testing and user acceptance environment. 4. Reports. See Attachment L – Sample Accela Reports. This activity deals with the design, programming, unit testing, and delivery of the query/report to the City’s environment. These queries/reports will be delivered into a system testing and user acceptance testing environment. 5. Statements. The City has identified several different invoices, statements, notices, letters, and other correspondence which the solution is required to produce. The solution should accommodate any effort to graphically redesign various correspondence and to produce in both hardcopy and electronic copy. 6. Legacy LPCE System. Communication of required changes which are being made to the legacy LPCE system during implementation. These changes need to be reviewed to determine their disposition and if they should be incorporated into the RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 38 of 55 new LPCE solution. This function also includes the design and development work required to implement these changes in the future-state solution. 7. Audit, Controls, Security. Focus on the design, development, and testing of the security roles. It is expected that the Vendor will understand, adhere to, and implement the solution following City IT security standards and as defined in the governance policy, in a manner which protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all data and systems. • Comprehensive Testing Services. Comprehensive testing services focus on planning and executing the various tests to be conducted, which may include but are not limited to the following activities: 1. Test Planning. This activity deals with the development of the various test plans which govern both functional, system and extended testing. Typically, for each test, there will be a plan for an overall approach, test conditions, test data, and anticipated test results. This plan will govern all aspects of the testing process across all phases of functional and extended testing. Typically, phases include Unit, System, System integration, and User Acceptance testing. 2. Test Execution. Once the enhancements, modifications, extensions, interfaces, forms, reports, etc. have been unit tested, delivered, and accepted by the City, they will be placed into a vendor-provided integration test environment. The integration test process ensures the solution works as delivered with enhancement(s) as applicable. In addition, the integration test will confirm the system has been accurately configured and the data has been accurately converted. This involves conducting robust regression testing, performance tests, volume tests, security tests, and disaster recovery tests. 3. User Acceptance Test. A user acceptance test is conducted once the system has been successfully tested through the various comprehensive integration tests. At this point in the project, the system, data, configuration, and service levels have all been tested. The City will now execute another series of user tests to accept the Project as it has been developed and delivered by the Vendor to the City. Formal sign-off on the Project is required prior to initiating the production conversion process. 4. Test Automation. The Vendor will supply, utilize, and maintain tools and scripts to automate many/most of the Test Execution tasks noted above, including regression, performance/volume, security, and availability/disaster recovery testing. The Vendor will provide pre-built scripts automating the testing of these elements, will develop additional scripts during the project to address the specific needs of this implementation, and will turn over to the City the original and custom scripts developed for this project, to allow for the City to perform similar testing after the end of the project. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 39 of 55 5. Issues Management. Vendor will provide a mechanism for tracking issues and issue management related to all testing through all phases of the implementation. • Training Services. These are to be provided by the Vendor to develop training material for new functionality and to deliver training to the City. This includes but is not limited to the following: Vendor provided, virtual instructor-led, and online training. 1. Training Development. Baseline training documentation and course materials will be provided (hardcopy and electronic) with the proposed solutions. The Vendor, working with the City, will utilize these materials as the starting point and will modify the materials to reflect the City-specific configurations, workflows, and processes. “Dry runs” of training materials and courses will be conducted to ensure the materials are accurate. 2. Training Delivery. Vendor will provide initial training and education program to identify and deliver to all users of the system including primary, secondary, and casual users. This may be accomplished using a combination of delivery methods, including classroom training courses, Computer Based Training, personal practice time, Internet/Virtual based training, etc. In addition to the initial training, this activity addresses training needs during and immediately following cutover for the Project. 3. IT Training. Appropriate City IT resources, as defined in the governance policy, will be trained on the new solution. This may be accomplished using a combination of delivery methods, including classroom training courses or Internet/Virtual based training as well as knowledge transfers during the configuration and go-live activities. Additional certifications or training recommendations for the ongoing development of the technical teams will also be provided. Training includes advanced report writing, and technical training - including ERD development, database management, batch, backup/recovery, and other technical specifications to support all proposed applications. • Conversion Services. This will focus on cleansing and converting data from the City’s legacy LPCE systems to the future solution and includes the following activities: 1. Cleansing. This activity deals with the identification of data in the legacy LPCE systems which need to be scrubbed or cleaned to ensure information loaded into the solution is accurate and will support processing within the new environment. Typically, a series of reports within the conversion process will identify problem areas which require either a manual or automated cleanup process. An automated process will be developed where large amounts of data need to be cleaned. Otherwise, a manual effort using either the legacy billing system to pre- clean data, or the solution to clean data after it is converted will be utilized. 2. Conversion. Data will be mapped between the legacy LPCE systems (and other systems as required) and the solution. Conversion programs will be developed to conduct an automated conversion of data from the legacy LPCE systems to the RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 40 of 55 solution. A series of extracts and loads will be conducted over the course of the development process to ensure the conversion process is working as designed and can be conducted over a specified timeframe, such as a 3-day weekend. In addition, a balancing/comparison program will be developed and executed with each conversion to ensure all counts, etc. are accounted for in the conversion process. Data from legacy systems as well as historical information from legacy systems in various formats including databases, flat files, etc. will be converted to provide ongoing query capabilities allowing the elimination of the legacy applications. Currently, the City is planning to classify data, images, maps, and other LPCE-relevant data according to the retention requirements as documented in Attachment P – Records Retention Schedule. All data and history not converted must be loaded to a database with the ability for the City’s LPCE front and back- office staff members to view and query the static data contained in this database. 3. Mock Conversions. The Project will perform a series of mock conversions to test the conversion programs and processes. These mock conversions will emulate a full conversion over the specified conversion timeframe. These mocks are conducted with the dress rehearsals to confirm the go-live schedule of events and timings. A minimum of three dress rehearsals to exercise the go-live plan/schedule are conducted. These rehearsals typically are conducted over a weekend to emulate the production cutover weekend. Updates to the plan, schedule, dependencies, and resources are made to reflect lessons learned during the dress rehearsals. • Production Cutover (Go-Live) Services. Focus on cutover from the legacy systems to the Solution and subsequent work to stabilize the Solution in the production environment. This includes the following activities: 1. Go-Live Transition Planning. This activity focuses on planning the go-live transition period, identifying transition activities, resources, responsibilities, etc. 2. Knowledge Transfer. During the project, the Vendor will engage in a series of activities to transfer knowledge from the development team to the production team who will be operating and supporting the Project. Vendor shall conduct a series of personnel testing and business process readiness to ensure the staff is following application mandates and costs should be outlined in Attachment C – Pricing Form. 3. Operational Readiness. This activity involves an assessment of the production environment to determine if the required cloud platform(s): infrastructure, network, desktop, database, environments, application, staff, etc., are ready to accept the solution from development and commission it into a production operating environment. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 41 of 55 4. Production Support Readiness. Ensure the staff responsible for managing the application have been trained, knowledge transfer has occurred, and ready to accept application support responsibility from the development team. 5. Production Cutover. This activity focuses on executing the go-live plan/schedule which moves the City from the legacy LPCE systems to operation of the solution. • Production Stabilization Services. A stabilization and shakedown period of four months is anticipated after go-live. During this stabilization period for the Project, the Vendor is focused on fixing production problems and working to ensure City performance requirements are being met. The Vendor will produce reports/dashboards that provide daily health checks to monitor the system until it is stabilized. • Final Acceptance Services. A thirty-day final acceptance period, which occurs during the four-month post-go-live period, will be completed, and documented to ensure that the system meets all contractually agreed-upon strict criteria for stabilization and transition services as delineated in the Statement of Work and elsewhere. The City reserves the right to extend the acceptance period until all terms and conditions are met. The system is tested against performance and acceptance criteria for the defined period, and upon acceptance, retainage money is released. Vendors should propose a warranty that starts when the product is placed into productive use. 2.3.6 ONGOING SOFTWARE PRODUCT SUPPORT At a minimum, the proposed solution components must include information and costs associated with all aspects of on-going software vendor product support and maintenance activities. The City requires Vendors to provide on-going support, including product fixes, updates and upgrades, product enhancements, and regular product versions and releases, as included with the defined ongoing maintenance program. 2.4 OPTIONAL MODULES AND SERVICES The City invites Vendors to include optional services in the Proposal for the following areas. Pricing for these services is to be provided in Attachment C - Pricing Form. • Developer Agreements – Word documents • Inspections for Environmental Programs – For programs with one-time and ongoing inspections, such as Sediment and Erosion Control, Post Construction Stormwater Quality Facilities/LID – currently using PermiTrack and Excel • Special Permits – currently using Eproval solution • Automated Interface with CIS – VertexOne for fees • Traffic Control Permit – Currently using CityWorks • Water Rights transaction processing & tracking • Water Adequacy (utility) Will Serve determination/waiver for individual development projects RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 42 of 55 • No address (one-off) permit & corresponding fee processing (when no address and not associated with a building) 2.5 TECHNOLOGY MANAGED SERVICES The City is looking for Vendors to propose and quote end-to-end technology managed services for their proposed Solution(s) which include the following: • Operational support • Workflow set-up and management support • Future enhancement support • 24X7 production support – including monitoring and event management • Incident management • Lifecycle management and maintenance • Process automation • Batch processing • Problem management • Request fulfillment • Performance Reporting, Service Level Agreement Reporting, and Metrics Reporting • User Profile management • Technical Refresh Training Release management and Change management • Business Configuration management support • Business Relationship management • Escalation procedures • Cyber compliance • Independent Cyber Audit, Reporting, and Finding Resolution • Adequate Qualified Resourcing and Staffing Models If there are areas and levels of support that are not part of your managed services portfolio, explain how you would plan to meet and fill the gaps. Identify other service offerings and levels that are available and provided within your scope of work as well as remote location(s) from which the services would be performed. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 43 of 55 3 PROPOSAL EVENTS & EVALUATION The City has established the sequence of events and schedule dates (see Section 1.4 RFP Schedule of Events) for this RFP process. All activities are further defined below. All dates are subject to change without prior notice. The City is not responsible for costs or losses incurred by any Vendor due to date changes or failure for work to be awarded in whole or in part. 3.1 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE CONDUCTED The City will conduct a pre-proposal Microsoft Teams video teleconference at the date and time specified on the cover sheet of this RFP. Instructions are contained on the RFP cover sheet. The purpose of this conference is to provide RFP related information and solicit questions from the Vendor in a single forum. The pre-proposal conference is non-mandatory, but Vendor participation is highly encouraged and recommended. 3.2 VENDORS’ WRITTEN RFP CLARIFICATION REQUESTS DUE All questions and clarifications regarding the RFP and the process are due in writing via email by the date and time specified on the RFP cover sheet. The City’s team will review and research each written request in addition to questions raised during the Pre-Proposal Conference that were not answered. All questions submitted and the City’s responses will be addressed in an Addenda to the RFP and posted on RMEPS. 3.3 PROPOSAL ADDENDA Any changes or corrections to or clarification of this RFP, in addition to the answers to the written clarification requests will be addressed in one or more Addenda to the RFP and posted on RMEPS. No changes, corrections or explanations that are presented verbally will be binding. 3.4 PROPOSALS DUE All Proposals are due in the format specified previously in Section 1 of this RFP by 3:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on the date specified for this event in Section 1.4 – Schedule of Events. 3.5 LPCE SOFTWARE DEMONSTRATIONS Based on an evaluation of the written proposals, the City will develop a “short-list” of Vendors to participate in oral presentations and demonstrations. Vendors selected for this phase of the evaluation process shall be at the City’s sole discretion and is final. If applicable, Vendors invited by the City to participate in the oral presentations and demonstrations are responsible for arranging with the applicable software product vendor(s) for the product demonstrations and presentations at a future date and time. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 44 of 55 3.6 ORAL PRESENTATION The City prefers in-person but will also consider Webex, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams or a similar video teleconferencing services for presentations/demonstrations. Additional information will be distributed on this topic prior to the specified date. Each Vendor will adhere to the structured agenda and the structured outline of questions. The primary objective of this workshop/presentation is for the evaluation team to see the functionality of the proposed solution and consider how the Vendor intends to implement the solution and what is required to operate the solution. These questions will focus on topics such as the proposed timeframe, governance structure, staffing, pricing, milestones, methodology, software tools, experience, etc. Significant effort will be spent reviewing the services, tools, and approach that the Vendor follows to understand what aspects of the project the City will be expected to lead or provide resources for. There will also be an evaluation of elements that will be critical to the implementation and ongoing operation of the product/solution as well as the City’s ability to effectively work with the Vendor. 3.7 REFERENCE CHECKS Vendors will be required to submit references with their Proposals. The reference check questions will be sent ahead of time by the City to the reference contact/individual so they can prepare ahead of time for the call. These questions will focus on areas such as satisfaction with the product and the Vendor, performance of the Vendor on the upgrade or modernization project, what Vendor staff worked on their project, ease of product maintenance, release schedule and ease of application management and usage, probability that they select this vendor product again, etc. The City will conduct the video teleconference reference checks. 3.8 DOWN SELECT VENDOR OF CHOICE Vendor will have submitted updated solutions and pricing to the City post Oral Presentations. The City will update any Vendor solution pricing and Vendor evaluation scores. The City will consider the updated evaluation scoring and the placement of the Vendor. It is imperative that a clear picture of a single “Vendor of Choice” is identified to proceed into the next phase of the competitive purchasing process. The City’s “Vendor of Choice” (if any) will be determined, and the Vendor(s) will be notified. The RFP process will remain open to the proposing Vendors until the City completes contract negotiations with the “Vendor of Choice.” The City reserves the right to negotiate with more than one “Vendor of Choice” in parallel, as well as to defer an award until final internal reviews have been concluded. At any time during these scoping, confirmation, and contracting activities, the City reserves the right to discontinue working with the “Vendor of Choice” and at its sole discretion may initiate discussions with the second place Vendor. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 45 of 55 3.9 INITIAL SOLUTION SCOPING SESSIONS Upon selection of a Vendor of Choice, a series of scoping sessions will be conducted with the Vendor. These activities will consist of an initial series of workshops to confirm solution scope for all proposed solution components and to confirm LPCE capabilities and associated work that may be required. The final session during these workshops is a review of the follow-up items. There may be items that require additional work and even subsequent work sessions. These items will be resolved and documented because of these follow-up activities and workshops. Following these scoping and due-diligence workshops, the Vendor will receive the documentation and information to inform a Best and Final Offer process. 3.10 VENDOR BEST AND FINAL OFFER Based on this documentation, and the Vendor’s more detailed knowledge of the City’s LPCE requirements, the Vendor will submit a “Scope based BAFO” (Best and Final Offer) detailing all aspects of the final solution and the Vendor’s best and final pricing. The City will review the BAFO submitted by the Vendor and identify any remaining gaps in the solution. The City will also review the City’s staffing plan and may/will move any responsibilities back to the Vendor if the City cannot support staffing levels associated with the Vendor- proposed timeline or resourcing plan. Any impacts of changes in the Comprehensive LPCE Solution will also be addressed. This Best and Final Offer must reflect the offeror’s total proposed cost of the project to the City. 3.11 THE CITY CONFIRMS TOTAL SOLUTION & VENDOR OF CHOICE The City advisors and staff will meet with the executive team to review the total cost of the project and proceed into Contract Negotiations with the current “Vendor of Choice” if the solution and the price are acceptable, or the City may proceed into scope confirmation work with the second-place Vendor. The City may consider moving to a second-place Vendor if, 1) the pricing has increased over the original amount going into the scoping workshops, or 2) the price is now significantly more than the 2nd place vendor, or 3) the price now exceeds the City’s project budget, or 4) The City has identified unresolved gaps in the system solution, or 5) the parties are unsuccessful negotiating a mutually acceptable contract. 3.12 CONTRACT & SOW NEGOTIATIONS COMPLETE WITH VENDOR The City anticipates entering a contract directly with the Vendor for proposed solution software and services. The Vendor shall be responsible for the licensing of any other 3rd party software and associated tools required for use during the project. Use of tools proprietary to the Vendor shall not be made a mandatory requirement in the Proposal. The Vendor will be solely responsible for entering into any agreements with its proposed third-party subcontractors and for the procurement of any software or hardware / computing infrastructure it requires to provide RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 46 of 55 the services and meet the requirements of the contract with the City, and the City shall not have any obligations directly to such subcontractors or third parties. 3.13 CONTRACTS AWARDED Based upon final approvals and appropriation of funding for the project, the City will award the software and implementation contracts. 3.14 IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT BEGINS The Vendor will initiate project organization and startup activities immediately and will be prepared to begin the implementation project, including on-boarding of the Solution provided project manager and all other on-site personnel required for initial project activities, no later than sixty (60) days from the execution date of the final definitive agreement unless otherwise requested by the City. 3.15 PROPOSAL EVALUATION A contract may be awarded to the Vendor whose proposed solution is determined to be the most advantageous to the City. The City reserves the right to disqualify any or all Proposals during any point of the evaluation process before a final definitive contract is executed. The following evaluation criteria will be applied during the process by the City. 3.16 EVALUATION CRITERIA The City will use a broad range of factors in evaluating the Proposals submitted by Vendors including the following categories: • Qualifications & Experience – 10% o Company Profile o Qualifications & Experience o Financial Stability • Solution Software – 30% o Drivers for Replacement o Core Functionality o Usability o Reporting & Documentation o Technology o Interfaces and Integrations o Cyber Security • Implementation Planning and Services – 20% o Project Timeline o Project Approach & Methodology o Project Management RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 47 of 55 o Organizational Change Management o Testing and Training o Conversion Services o Installation and Environment Management o On-going Support • Pricing & Pricing Analysis – 10% • Procurement Considerations – 5% o Exceptions, Conflicts & Clarifications o Agreement with Insurance o Proposal Responsiveness • Functional Matrix Value Score – 25% At this point in time, Vendors are considered “short-listed.” Points achieved above are reset to zero and do not “carry forward.” • Demonstrations & Oral Presentations (100%) o Software Product Evaluation – 40% o Implementation & Technical Oral Presentations – 35% o 10-year TCO – 15% o Reference Checks – 10% The criteria are applied during the following evaluation phases and process steps as noted: • Receive proposals and apply minimum requirements to eliminate any Proposals that do not meet minimum stated criteria as published in the RFP package. • Read and analyze proposals and scoring using the criteria listed above. • Conducting two and one-half-day demonstrations, technical orals, service orals and reference checks with of top ranked offerors based on the evaluations of the written proposals. • Evaluation matrix is updated iteratively, and a single Vendor of Choice is selected. • Detailed Scoping work is conducted with the Vendor of Choice. • The Vendor of Choice develops a BAFO which is input to develop the City’s LPCE solution and to confirm the Vendor Solution. • If the Vendor is confirmed, work proceeds into Contract Negotiations; otherwise work proceeds with the second-place Vendor and returns to Scoping work. • Upon completion of the contract award, resources are mobilized in 60 days, and the project is initiated unless otherwise requested by the City. • The City will utilize its business judgment in identifying the “Vendor of Choice.” Awarded points will be used to assist the City in rendering a decision through analysis; however, RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 48 of 55 the City reserves the right to conduct other evaluations and measurements of proposed solution responses as may be required to render an informed and optimum decision. The City’s internal rankings and relative comparisons of the various Vendors and proposed solutions will not be made available to the Vendors. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 49 of 55 4 POLICIES GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS The City will consider utilizing the Vendor’s Agreement templates as the framework for the final contract. Vendors must submit as part of their RFP response any Agreement templates it proposes to be utilized. As a minimum, the City will require the final contract to include certain contract clauses in accordance with Attachment O – Special Provisions. The policies under which this RFP and subsequent Proposal shall be made are outlined below and are intended to specify this RFP’s framework to be used by the Vendor in preparing and submitting the Proposal. 4.1 BASIS FOR PROPOSAL Information about the City from other sources can be used for background information; however, only information supplied by the City in writing through this RFP should be used in the preparation of Proposals. If modifications, clarification, or additions to the RFP become necessary, Vendor will be notified in writing via an Addenda posted on RMEPS. Vendor must acknowledge all modifications, clarification, or additions by including such documents in the Proposal. 4.2 TERMS AND CONDITIONS As noted above, the Vendor must submit any Agreement templates it proposes to be considered by the City. In addition, Vendor must submit a redlined version of the required contract provisions stated in Attachment O, if applicable. The reasonableness of any proposed Agreement templates and the degree of proposed changes to the Special Provisions will be a material factor in the selection of the finalists and contract award. Any proposed contracts applicable to the licensing software or sale of hardware that the Vendor may provide as part of the overall solution must also be submitted with the Proposal. Cases where offerors withhold exceptions during the Proposal phase but present them during the negotiation phase may be interpreted by the City as a case of “bad faith” and may result in the termination of negotiations. 4.3 SIGNING OF PROPOSALS The submission of a Proposal within RMEPS shall indicate the intention of the Vendor to adhere to the provisions described in this RFP. 4.4 COST OF PROPOSAL Each Vendor will be responsible for all costs incurred in preparing or responding to this RFP and subsequent activities and contract negotiations. Vendors shall not submit any requests for reimbursements or invoices for fees with respect thereto. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 50 of 55 4.5 CONFLICT OF INTEREST, NON-COLLUSION AND ANTI-LOBBYING The Vendor warrants and represents that its officers, employees, or agents have not and will not attempt to lobby or influence a vote or recommendation related to its Proposal, directly or indirectly, through any contact with City Council, Senior Management, or any City staff. Should the Vendor become aware of any collusion or conflict of interest, they will immediately notify the Director of Purchasing at gspaul@fcgov.com. 4.6 CONFIDENTIALITY, MATERIALS SUBMITTED AND OWNERSHIP OF PROPOSALS The City is a governmental entity subject to the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. §§ 24-72- 200.1 et seq. (“CORA”). Any proposals submitted hereunder are subject to public disclosure by the City pursuant to CORA and City ordinances. Vendors may submit one (1) additional complete proposal clearly marked “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.” In this version of their proposal, Vendors may redact text and/or data that it deems confidential or proprietary pursuant to CORA. All pricing will be considered public records subject to disclosure under CORA and as such pricing cannot be redacted from the “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING” version of the proposal. Failure to provide a public viewing copy will be considered a waiver of any claim of confidentiality under CORA without regard to how the applicant’s proposal or certain pages of the proposal are marked confidential, proprietary, or similar. Such a statement does not necessarily exempt such documentation from public disclosure if required by CORA, by order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or other applicable law. Generally, under CORA, trade secrets, confidential commercial information and financial data information may not be required to be disclosed by The City. Proposals may not be marked “Confidential” or ‘Proprietary’ in their entirety. By responding to this RFP, Vendors hereby waives all claims for damages against the City for the City’s good faith compliance with CORA. All provisions and pricing of any contract resulting from this request for proposal will be public information. All documentation, manuals and ideas submitted by Vendors shall become the property of the City once they are submitted to the City. Any material submitted by Vendors that is to be considered confidential pursuant to CORA must be clearly marked as such and must include all applicable restrictions. No submission or supporting documentation will be returned to Vendor except as part of a final definitive contract with a successful Vendor. 4.7 DISQUALIFICATION OR REJECTION OF PROPOSALS THE CITY reserves the right to cancel or modify the RFP, the RFP SCHEDULE, AND the RFP process at any time as it deems necessary or to comply with regulatory orders, rules, regulations or guidelines without liability or obligation to any SOLUTION PROVIDER. If modifications, clarifications, or additions to the RFP become necessary, Vendors will be notified via a written Addenda posted on RMEPS. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 51 of 55 The City reserves the right to select those offerors it deems qualified and to terminate negotiations at any time, up to and including during the final contracting phase, without incurring liability. The City reserves the right to accept or reject all responses to this RFP and at its complete discretion and without explanation to the offeror(s). Aspects of Solution Providers’ Proposal may be subject to further inquiry to specifically define the operation of the Project, to ensure adequate financial and credit support for Solution Provider, to ensure that the Project is consistent with the City’s requirements or for any other reason. Further inquiry shall not imply that a Proposal will be selected. 4.8 RIGHT TO WAIVE PROPOSAL IRREGULARITIES Proposals shall be considered as being "irregular" if they contain any omissions, alterations of form, additions, or conditions not called for, or irregularities of any kind. The City reserves the right to waive minor irregularities and mandatory requirements and the failure to do so does not otherwise materially affect the RFP process. This right is at the sole discretion of the City. 4.9 RFP IRREGULARITIES Vendors shall not take advantage of any apparent errors or omissions in any document within the RFP package. If any errors or omissions are discovered by a Vendor, that Vendor shall notify the Director of Purchasing at gspaul@fcgov.com immediately. 4.10 PRIOR AGREEMENTS Any prior agreements between the City and each Vendor related to the subject matter of this RFP will be superseded by an agreement that results from this bidding event. Vendor should ensure that all Proposals are inclusive of or expressly waive any related termination costs that are allowable under the terms of the current agreement. 4.11 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS Proposals may be withdrawn from RMEPS any time prior to the exact hour and date specified for submission of Proposals. 4.12 AMENDING OF PROPOSALS Amended Proposals must be submitted in RMEPS before the deadline for submission of Proposals. Such amended Proposals must be complete replacements of a previously submitted Proposal and must be clearly identified as such. The City will not merge, collate, or assemble Proposal materials. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 52 of 55 4.13 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS NEITHER THIS RFP, NOR ANY FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE OR DISCUSSION, SHALL CONSTITUTE AN OFFER BY THE CITY, AND SUBMITTAL OF A PROPOSAL SHALL NOT BE DEEMED AN ACCEPTANCE. The City reserves the right to select those offeror(s) it deems qualified and to terminate negotiations at any time, up to and including during the final contracting phase, without incurring liability. The City reserves the right to accept or reject all responses to this RFP and at its complete discretion and without explanation to the offeror(s). The City reserves the right to withdraw or modify this RFP at any time. 4.14 PROPOSAL OFFER FIRM Each Solution Provider guarantees that its responses to this RFP, including proposed terms and pricing, are firm and binding for One Hundred and Eighty (180) days after the due date for submission of Proposals or receipt of the last best and final offer submitted. All Proposals must include a statement to that effect. 4.15 EXCEPTIONS TO RFP SPECIFICATIONS Although the specifications stated in the RFP represent the City’s anticipated needs, there may be instances where it is in the City’s interest to permit exceptions to specifications and accept alternatives. It is imperative that the Vendor make very clear where exceptions are taken to the specifications and other provisions of the RFP including the City’s required contract clauses stated in Attachment O, Special Provisions. Where exceptions are identified, Vendor’s must state alternatives. Therefore, exceptions, conditions, or qualifications to the provisions of the City’s specifications must be clearly identified as such together with reasons for taking exception and inserted into the Proposal. If the Vendor does not make clear that an exception is being taken, the Proposal will be deemed to meet the specification as written. Cases where offerors withhold exceptions during the Proposal phase but present them during the negotiation phase may be interpreted by the City as a case of “bad faith” and may result in the termination of negotiations. 4.16 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS Until such time as a contract has been awarded, the City reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals received in response to this RFP without giving any notice or reasons. The City also reserves the right to accept any Proposal, notwithstanding informalities or irregularities contained in such Proposal. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to seek further information from, or clarification of, any Proposal submitted by any Vendor, and to negotiate with any Vendor, or with more than RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 53 of 55 one Solution provider concurrently, the terms and conditions of Proposals. The City is not required to offer any modified terms and conditions to any other Vendor and the City incurs no liability to any Vendor in exercising its discretion under this paragraph. 4.17 AWARD OF CONTRACT The City reserves the right to withhold final action on the Proposal for a reasonable time. The award of a contract, if any, shall be based on an evaluation of Proposals by the City, through consideration of any criteria deemed important by the City in its sole discretion. The Proposal containing the lowest price, or any Proposal will not necessarily be accepted. The City reserves the right, without restriction, of sole discretion in determining the best value and whether any Proposal received provides the necessary level of value to the City to result in the awarding of a contract. The Vendor of Choice will be required to notify the City of the identity of the legal counsel who will represent Vendor in the negotiation of the contract and associated exhibits by not later than 10 days from notification by the City that the Vendor is a finalist. Such finalist(s) shall ensure that its legal counsel is available as needed throughout the duration of the negotiations. In the event of a selection, the City will initiate a Notice of Award to the selected Vendor regarding the award. The Vendor will acknowledge its receipt and acceptance of such Notice of Award in writing within five (5) business days. The City’s’ decision with respect to the selection of the successful Proposal(s), if any, will be final. Once the decision has been made and the successful Vendor, if any, has been notified, The City will not accept modified Proposals from the unsuccessful Vendors or requests to reconsider the choice that has been made. The City reserves the right to award a contract in respect of all or only a portion of the Proposal or to award multiple contracts to different Vendors or to Vendors not included in this RFP process. The use of subcontractors to perform any component of the RFP must be approved by the City in writing and in advance of providing such services. 4.18 NOTICE TO UNSUCCESSFUL VENDORS Upon request and after contract award, the City will provide general, high-level information regarding the procurement process to unsuccessful Vendors. 4.19 NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACTS Vendors will be asked to define their pricing and capabilities within their Proposal. It is assumed that the City and the selected Vendors will negotiate specific program features, terms, and conditions during the contract negotiation phase. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 54 of 55 4.20 EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS The City anticipates that, if an award is made, it will negotiate and execute a master services agreement (including a statement of work) on the policies governing the performance of the services applicable under this RFP and included as Attachment O – Special Provisions. In addition, the City anticipates signing one or more of the following: license agreement, maintenance and support agreement, and, other agreements, as applicable. Vendors are expected to identify any exceptions to the contract terms and conditions in the Proposal. Failure to state any exceptions shall constitute full acceptance of the City’s terms and conditions by the Vendor(s). 4.21 TMG CONSULTING The City has contracted with TMG Consulting, a RIA company to assist in the RFP process and the selection of Software Vendors. This assistance will include requirements gathering and definition, RFP development, Proposal evaluation and contract negotiation support. The City and TMG Consulting may discuss the Proposal with the Vendor for the purpose of clarification and to assure full understanding of the Proposal. RFP for LPCE and Implementation Services Page 55 of 55 5 ATTACHMENT LISTING ATTACHMENT A – RESPONSE FORM ATTACHMENT B – INTEGRATION AND INTERFACES ATTACHMENT C – PRICING FORM ATTACHMENT D – STAFFING FORM ATTACHMENT E – FUNCTIONAL MATRIX ATTACHMENT F – EXCEPTIONS CONFLICTS AND CLARIFICATIONS ATTACHMENT G – MANUAL PROCESSES ATTACHMENT H – SAAS CYBER VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE ATTACHMENT I – VENDOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM ATTACHMENT J – INSURANCE FORM ATTACHMENT K – SAMPLE LPCE TYPES ATTACHMENT L – SAMPLE CRITICAL REPORTS ATTACHMENT M – DATA CONVERSION ATTACHMENT N – SAMPLE PLANNING APPLICATION TYPES ATTACHMENT O – SPECIAL PROVISIONS ATTACHMENT P – RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE ***** End of RFP *****