BOARD MEETING DATE: May 1, 2009
AGENDA NO. 16

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Telecommunication Services

SYNOPSIS:

On October 6, 2006, the Board approved contracts with various vendors to provide telecommunication services to the AQMD. These telecommunication services included local, long distance, and toll-free services; leased circuits; ISDN Pri T1 lines; cellular phones, calling cards; internet services; video conferencing; enhanced billing and reporting; and phone switch maintenance. The contracts will expire on November 30, 2009. This action is to issue an RFP to select vendors capable of providing these services for a three-year period. Funds ($250,000) for this expense will be included in the proposed FY 2009-10 Budget, as well as in each of the two subsequent years, with the total value of the contract at $750,000.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, April 10, 2009, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Issue RFP #P2009-17 to solicit bids for telecommunication services.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

AQMD has a sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure providing the services necessary to support day-to-day operational needs.  These services include local, long distance, and toll-free; private IP (PIP)/frame relay network; dedicated T1 lines; internet access; phone switch maintenance; and wireless voice and data.  The services facilitate and provide staff telephone service, internet access, public access to AQMD’s website (www.aqmd.gov), public toll free dialing for Cut Smog and other air quality programs, collection of air monitoring data from remote sites, voice and data connectivity to the Long Beach office, cellular service, and remote wireless connectivity for handheld portable devices.

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit and identify vendors capable of providing high quality and reliable telecommunication services to AQMD in the most cost-effective manner, and if possible, to consolidate all telephone company related services to a single telecommunications provider. The overall goal is to reduce current expenses for voice and data communication services, optimize the use of AQMD's current voice communication network, and provide AQMD with the necessary flexibility to take full advantage of new telecommunications technologies as they evolve. Telecommunication services solicited under this RFP will include local, long distance, and toll-free; private IP (PIP)/frame relay network; dedicated T1 lines; internet access; phone switch maintenance; and wireless voice and data.

The current telecommunication service contract will expire on November 30, 2009. A service agreement for a term of three years will be purchased.
 

Proposal

Staff recommends the Board authorize release of RFP #P2009-17 to solicit proposals from qualified contractors to provide high quality and reliable telecommunication services to AQMD in the most cost-effective manner, and if possible, to consolidate all telephone company related services to a single telecommunications provider.
 

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids will be published in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino Sun, and Riverside County Press Enterprise newspapers to leverage the most cost-effective method of outreach to the entire South Coast Basin.

Additionally, potential bidders may be notified utilizing AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors. Notice of the RFP will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations, the State of California Contracts Register website, and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s website (http://www.aqmd.gov where it can be viewed by making menu selections “Inside AQMD”/“Employment and Business Opportunities”/“Business Opportunities” or by going directly to http://www.aqmd.gov/rfp/index.html). Information is also available on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.
 

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the attached RFP.
 

Resource Impacts

Funds ($250,000) are allocated in the proposed FY 2009-10 Budget, as well as in each of the two subsequent years, with the total value of the contract at $750,000. Funding for subsequent years will be budgeted appropriately.
 

Attachment (DOC, 962k)

RFP #P2009-17 – Telecommunication Services