Agenda Item 8-C
Consent Item
To:
Chairman Cook and the VRE Operations Board
From:
Doug Allen
Date:
December 18, 2015
Re:
Authorization to Issue a Request for Proposals for
Information Technology Services
Recommendation:
The VRE Operations Board is asked to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to issue a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Information Technology services for a period of one base
year and two option years.
Background:
As determined in accordance with VRE Public Procurement Policies and Procedures, an
Invitation for Bids (IFB) is neither practicable nor fiscally advantageous to VRE and an RFP
is the preferred method of procurement for this solicitation since there are different
approaches to Information Technology services and an evaluation of technical merit is
required.
Upon completion of evaluation of proposals, negotiations are conducted with the two
highest ranked firms deemed to be fully qualified and best suited among those submitting
proposals, on the basis of the factors specified in the evaluation criteria. Price will be
considered in context of technical performance for this service to achieve a best value
determination. After receipt of the best and final offer from the top-ranked firm, a cost
analysis is performed to compare the proposed cost with the independent cost estimate to
determine that the proposed cost is fair and reasonable.
VRE’s current information technology infrastructure includes 136 routers, firewalls and
switches; 22 physical servers, 48 mobile devices, 25 printers and approximately 50 service
requests per week. The IT Department provides service to 25 different physical locations
within the service area. The scope of work for the RFP includes procurement of an IT
service provider tasked to maintain existing IT infrastructure along with designing,
developing, and implementing solutions in both a project and maintenance role.
Specifically, the IT Services will provide on-site server, desktop and network support
services. Additionally, the contractor will provide project based assistance for initiatives in
support of cybersecurity posture as well as the transformation and expansion of
information technology systems within VRE’s network.
Upon receipt and evaluation of the proposals, staff will return to the Board for
authorization to award the contract.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding is provided for in the FY 2016 operating budget for Information Technology.
Funding for future years will be included in each proposed annual budget.
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Virginia Railway Express
Operations Board
Resolution
8C-12-2015
Authorization to Issue a Request for Proposals for
Information Technology Services
WHEREAS, VRE’s Information Technology infrastructure includes multiple servers,
switches, routers and mobile devices; and,
WHEREAS, VRE’s Information Technology infrastructure spans multiple locations across
the VRE service area; and,
WHEREAS, there is a need to ensure timely responses to service requests and general
maintenance of the system; and,
WHEREAS, an Information Technology services contract will provide VRE the needed
support for the transformation and expansion of VRE’s network;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the VRE Operations Board does hereby
acknowledge the determination made by the VRE Contract Administrator in accordance
with the VRE Public Procurement Policies and Procedures that competitive bidding is not
practicable, nor fiscally advantageous to VRE, and that competitive negotiation is the
appropriate method to procure these services; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the VRE Operations Board does hereby authorize the
Chief Executive Officer to issue a Request for Proposals for Information Technology
Services.
Approved this 18th day of December 2015
______________________________
John C. Cook
Chairman
____________________________
Paul Smedberg
Secretary
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