In a request for information (RFI) released Jan. 30, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) wants information and feedback to help it plan, design and implement a routing design for its meter readers. LADWP’s power system delivers approximately 8,100 megawatts of electric capacity and its water system serves an average of 450 million gallons of water a day to more than 4 million L.A. residents. Among the takeaways:
- In this RFP, LADWP is seeking route optimization software and logistics. Its objective is to provide its Route Design Unit with tools capable of creating walking routes with accurate time ranges for meter readers. The department is interested in route design that is customized for meter readers that walk to premises to read the meters. The information should let LADWP obtain high-level cost estimates for budget purposes; information on route optimization software and logistics; and additional guidance, input, new ideas, and best practices that may be used to prepare a request for proposal, a request for single/source proposal, a request for qualifications or a cooperative agreement.
- Among the questions and information sought, LADWP wants to know whether the suggested solution integrates with ArcGIS and ArcMap; and if not, whether it integrates with another geographic information system. The department also wants to know whether the suggested solution includes a fixed unit sequence; whether it can support residential and commercial service points; whether it can support an address with multiple service points; and whether it can create routes using zone priority or area segment order for six hours, then stop and start the next one. LADWP also needs to know if the suggested solution can integrate with billing systems and optimize routes with various service points types and meter types; and if so, what types of billing systems, service points and meter types the solution supports.
- To fully understand information provided by respondents, LADWP may ask for clarification. Responses should include information and recommendations of best practices in route optimization design for meter readers. LADWP does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI. Any questions on the RFI are due Tuesday. Responses will come on Feb. 13. Responses to the RFI are due by Feb. 20.
