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PROPOSAL:

Issue RFQ for High-Speed Remote Access Upgrade

SYNOPSIS:

The increasing demand for off-site access to AQMD information facilities is outpacing the current capability of the voice and data systems. An upgrade to the existing data and voice systems is necessary to provide high-speed remote access. This upgrade will enable the AQMD to take advantage of contemporary offerings such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and other low-cost, high-throughput technologies. This action is to issue an RFQ to obtain upgrades for high-speed remote access. Funds for this purchase ($100,000) are included in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 23, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Issue the attached RFQ to solicit bids for the purchase of high-speed remote access upgrade for AQMD’s voice and data systems.

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

Background

The increasing demand for off-site access to the AQMD’s information facilities is outpacing the current capability of the District’s voice and data systems. This upgrade will enable the District to take advantage of contemporary offerings such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and other low-cost, high-throughput technologies to provide high-speed access to remote users of the AQMD voice and data network. ISDN is a set of communications standards allowing a single wire or optical fiber to carry voice, digital network services, and video. ISDN is replacing the Public Switched Network (PSN) of interconnected telephone systems, in order to bring about more transparent and integrated communications while optimizing existing switches and wiring.

The AQMD currently uses 28.8 kilobits per second (kbps) analog modems for remote access, limiting usable bandwidth to dial-in users. This upgrade will allow remote users to connect to base speeds of 56 kbps with maximum connection and throughput rates of 128 kbps. In addition to greater bandwidth, the upgrade incorporates industry standard security features, affording greater protection to AQMD’s computer resources against unauthorized access. Furthermore, this upgrade will allow AQMD to consolidate its access to the PSN, thereby lowering annual fees and enhancing calling features.

Proposal

The purpose of this RFQ is to competitively select a vendor or vendors from which to secure equipment and services to upgrade the AQMD’s voice and data systems for high-speed remote access.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFQ 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/RFQ 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 and 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 RFQ.

Resource Impacts

A total of $100,000 is available in the FY 1997-98 Budget for upgrading the AQMD’s remote access facilities.

Attachments

RFQ #2016

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