In a request for proposals released Dec. 12, the California Department of Technology (CDT) acting on behalf of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) wants to hear from IT companies that can provide a cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for the CalRecycle Integrated Information System (CRIIS). Services must include implementation of the CRIIS solution, software licensing and maintenance, and optional post-implementation services. Among the takeaways:
- CalRecycle, per the RFP, has led development of a circular economy that reduces waste and pollution by designing waste out, using materials longer, and recycling. The state leads the movement via producer responsibility and technological innovation to hold more businesses and jurisdictions responsible for what gets sold, distributed, and becomes waste. Because of this, CalRecycle’s responsibilities have grown around materials, businesses, and consumers — with mattresses, product packaging, beverage containers, pharmaceuticals and sharps program being just a few new areas of coverage in a list that grows annually. A cloud-based information system to track, regulate, and monitor materials is now more critical than ever; it is becoming impractical for CalRecycle IT staff to maintain more than 31 separate program systems without increasing the positions needed to manage them. The department now handles 20,000 to 30,000 account logins a month across multiple systems. Transaction processing amounts to roughly $1.5 billion a year, with expected legislative changes likely to increase these funds by about 35 percent. CalRecycle’s largest application, DORIIS, uses 1.6 terabytes; the other 30 apps use 275 gigabytes (GB). Historical data growth is 150 GB a year, depending upon legislative changes.
- The solution must be cloud-based and SaaS and it must have the functionality and tools to improve management and reporting on recyclable materials. Specifically, the solution sought must be capable of streamlining existing processes by replacing 31 current program area applications that are primarily Microsoft .NET, many of which have overlapping and duplicative functions and have their own interface and distinct outputs. The new system must also automate processing of accounts receivable and accounts payable for several program apps, and must enhance access to enterprise-wide data, enabling CalRecycle to generate more comprehensive and robust reports. The solution should integrate existing recyclable materials data from multiple source systems including Bottles and Cans, E-Waste, Used Oil, Used Tires, Mattresses, Paint, and Pharmaceuticals and Sharps. Historically, each new legislative bill has led to the creation of a new program and a new IT application to support it. Specific major functions and business processes that must be streamlined via the consolidation of apps include product management, data submission, entity management, compliance, financials, GIS mapping, grants and loans, data analysis and communications.
- Among the mandatory qualifications for key staff, depending on years of experience, the project manager must have managed complex IT projects with contract values of at least $20 million for seven years. The business analyst must have served in that role in complex IT projects with contract values of at least $10 million for three years, and on implementation and/or maintenance and operation of a cloud-based SaaS solution with at least 5,000 users. The solution architect must have performed for at least five years in a lead role on complex IT projects with a contract value of at least $10 million, integrating and managing a cloud-based SaaS solution with 5,000 users.
- A virtual bidders conference is slated for 10 a.m. Tuesday; it’s unclear whether it is mandatory. Questions are due by 10 a.m. Friday and responses will come Jan. 4. Intents to bid are due by 3 p.m. Jan. 12. Proposals are due by 10 a.m. Feb. 6. The state will evaluate proposals and invite demonstrations Feb. 7-27, with the latter slated for March 7-13. Negotiations are expected March 21-28 with best and final offers due April 5. A notification of award is expected April 17.
