BOARD MEETING DATE: February 14, 1997 AGENDA NO. 13
Proposal:
Issue RFQ to Purchase Hardware and Software Necessary to Implement Middleware Technology in Support of AQMD Applications
Synopsis:
Middleware technology provides users with an easier way to connect to multiple data sources through networks and to bring the data to their desktops for processing. This action is to issue an RFQ to obtain the necessary fixed assets for middleware in support of software applications used by AQMD staff. Funds for these fixed assets ($180,000) are included in the approved FY 1996-97 Budget.
Committee:
Administrative, January 24, 1997, Recommended for Approval
Recommended Action:
Approve the issuance of RFQ #9697-35 for Acquisition of Hardware and Software in Support of Middleware Technology.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
Providing timely, accurate, and complete information to all workers opens the way to the productivity improvements needed to realize the Regulatory Reform Initiatives adopted by the Board on January 12, 1996.
A primary information management goal today is to enhance hardware and software performance at the desktop, to make it easier for users to get the data that they need. Middleware, in its broadest sense, acts as an agent which sits between software applications and the network. Middleware products allow the integration of data and business rules from disparate isolated systems, into a common enterprise-wide knowledge base. Middleware provides users with high performance access to information transparently and ensures that the users and the data sources communicate quickly, efficiently, and effectively, regardless of which operating system, communications protocol, or database system is being accessed.
After investigating a variety of commercial middleware products, staff found that these products are not sufficiently mature (i.e., too proprietary) to provide sufficient benefit across the agency. Thus, staff recommends against the purchase of middleware software (as stipulated in the FY1996-97 Budget) at this time. Instead, staff recommends acquiring and upgrading components (both hardware and software) from the desktop to the network that will improve performance on AQMD information systems using middleware software already in hand (such as Microsoft’s Open Data Base Connectivity, or ODBC) and that will support other software systems that function similarly to middleware (such as the Board Agenda Tracking System).
Proposal
To provide middleware technology that will help to improve system performance,the following hardware and software is necessary:
Outreach
In accordance with the AQMD’s Consulting and Contracting Policy, a public notice inviting bids will be published in the following publications: California State Contracts Register, Chinese Daily News, Eastern Group Publications, El Chicano, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Inland Empire Hispanic News, Korean Central Daily, La Opinion, La Voz, Los Angeles Sentinel, Los Angeles Times, M/W/DVBE Source, Orange County Register, Philippine News, Precinct Reporter, Rafu Shimpo, Riverside Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, The Black Voice News, and The Excelsior. Additionally, potential bidders will be identified through Los Angeles County’s Directory of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Directory of Certified Firms published by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; The Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; the Caltrans electronic bulletin board listing of Disadvantaged and Women Business Enterprises; the AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and the Purchasing mailing list. Copies of the RFQ will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and will be placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov] and on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line. Public service announcements will be sent out to local radio, TV and cable stations and further personal outreach efforts by staff will be made to various minority businesses and chambers of commerce to inform and invite prospective bidders to visit the Diamond Bar facility and to submit proposals.
Proposition 209 Compliance
It is AQMD policy to award additional points or cost benefits for minority-owned, woman-owned, and/or disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. On November 5, 1996 California voters approved Proposition 209 which prohibits discrimination or granting preferential treatment based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. (Proposition 209 does not address disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.) On December 16, 1996, the Federal District Court issued an order applicable to all government agencies in California prohibiting enforcement of Proposition 209. Therefore, the AQMD’s existing policy remains in effect. Should the status of the law change at any point during the process of issuing an RFP or RFQ or entering into a contract pursuant to a previously issued RFP or RFQ, the AQMD will abide by the law in effect at the time the action is taken and any RFP or RFQ will be deemed modified to comply with existing law and any provisions in conflict with existing law will not be enforced.
Resource Impacts
Funds for these fixed assets in the amount of $180,000 are included in the approved FY 1996-97 Budget.