November 17, 1995

South Coast Air Quality

Management District Board

In February 1996, the District's contract with MCI Telecommunications Corporation for long-distance telephone service will expire. Staff has prepared a Request for Proposals for Telecommunications Services to ensure that the District receives the most cost-effective long-distance service available and to consolidate telephone-related services to one telecommunications provider. The goal is to reduce current expenses for voice communication services and optimize the use of the installed voice communications network. Telecommunication services solicited under this RFP include local- and long-distance voice service; 800-line services; and leased lines with several additional services such as enhanced billing, voice traffic analysis, voice network optimization, automatic attendants, voice response systems, call detail reporting, microwave radio traffic optimization, directory publication and access, video teleconferencing, and telecommuting support systems.

Staff is recommending approval for release of the attached RFP so that a competitive long-distance telephone provider can be identified before the current service contract ends. Funds have been allocated in the FY1995-96 Budget to purchase these long-distance services. This item was reviewed and approved by the Administrative Committee on October 27, 1995.

THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD

--Approve the release of RFP #9596-26 entitled "Request for Proposals for Telecommunication Services."

Respectfully,

James M. Lents, Ph. D.

Executive Officer

BRW:VCM:RKV:RL

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