Back

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Network Infrastructure Upgrade

SYNOPSIS:

As AQMD’s computer applications have grown, so have the demands on local area network bandwidth. Our current network infrastructure was designed and installed in 1990 and can no longer accommodate further bandwidth demands. A multi-phase network infrastructure upgrade is needed to support the expanding network-based computer applications. This action is to issue an RFP to obtain the first of a three-phase network infrastructure upgrade. Funds for these services ($350,000) are included in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 23, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of the attached RFP to solicit bids for upgrading network infrastructure.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

AQMD’s local area network (LAN) supports all generation, transfer and exchange, storage input and output, and analysis of information at the agency. Most of AQMD’s primary business functions have been migrated to client-server applications that access information in our Central Information Repository, a relational database containing all mission-critical data. Similarly, we have expanded the network’s role as a communication conduit through E-mail, fax server, and internal Intranet (AIRNet). Sharing information and processes through the network has become standard operation for AQMD staff. The hardware platform supporting client-server applications consists of servers, desktop PCs (clients) and an ethernet network infrastructure (backbone). The network backbone that was designed and installed in 1990 can only carry 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to the clients and 100 Mbps to the servers.

Over the past few years, servers and clients at the AQMD have been upgraded with newer and more advanced technology to improve computer application performance. As computer applications have grown, so have the demands for better bandwidth network infrastructure. The current network can no longer accommodate further bandwidth demands. A multi-phase network upgrade is needed to support the expanding network-based computer applications. The network infrastructure upgrade will increase the capacity and functionality of AQMD’s communications conduit backbone. Prior to the development of this RFP, AQMD contracted for the analysis of existing network and recommended upgrade path (RFP #9798-08 issued August 13, 1997; $25,000). The results of that analysis are reflected in the technical specifications of this RFP.

Proposal

Because of expanded use, AQMD’s communications conduit backbone has become a bottleneck for transferring data between clients and servers. The interaction between data and network backbone in a client-server computer system is critical to its success. For this reason, network cabling system upgrade and upgrade of network equipment technology is the recommended course of action. The network upgrade plan will be implemented so as to ensure a smooth migration of the current system to the new system. This procurement will constitute the first phase of a three-year plan to upgrade AQMD’s network, which will have a planned life cycle of ten years.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:

1.	Antelope Valley Press	10.	La Opinion	19.	Precinct Reporter
2.	Black Voice News	11.	La Voz	20.	Rafu Shimpo
3.	Chinese Daily News	12.	Los Angeles Daily News	21.	Riverside Press Enterprise
4.	Eastern Group Publications	13.	Los Angeles Sentinel	22.	San Bernardino Sun
5.	El Chicano	14.	Los Angeles Times	23.	Santa Clarita Signal
6.	Excelsior, The	15.	M/W/DVBE Source	24.	State of California Contracts
7.	Inland Empire Hispanic News	16.	Orange County Register		Register
8.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	17.	Palm Springs Desert Sun
9.	Korea Central Daily	18.	Philippine News

Additionally, potential bidders will be notified from the Los Angeles County MTA, and Cal Trans Directories of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Copies of the RFP will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov, "Business & Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Quotations received will be evaluated by an ethnic- and gender-diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFP.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds for the purchase of equipment and services for the first phase of this network infrastructure upgrade in the amount of $350,000 are included in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

Attachments

RFP for Network Infrastructure Upgrade, including:

A-1 Current State of Information Management at AQMD

A-2 Current Network Diagram

A-3 Network Upgrade Migration Plan
A-4 RPP Detailed Requirements

B Certifications and Representations

/ / /