In a request for information released Monday on the California State Government Marketplace, the California Department of Technology (CDT), acting on behalf of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), seeks information, suggestions, best practices and cost estimates for the technical resources needed to configure, deploy and maintain a statewide notification system. It also seeks to learn from vendors about existing solutions that could implement the core business processes and requirements needed. Among the takeaways:
- The system would be focused on delivering timely notification of higher-risk pesticide applications and restricted materials, which are higher-risk pesticides. DPR’s regulatory structure lacks a public-facing system to provide transparent, equitable information in advance of scheduled restricted material pesticide application in surrounding areas. The proposed statewide notification system should not only provide advanced notification of pesticide applications but complement regulations governing the safety of pesticide applications.
- The statewide notification system will be a public-facing, web-based application. DPR anticipates an application programming interface (API) will transfer new, non-historical notification of intent (NOI) data from CalAgPermits to the system. CalAgPermits is a comprehensive online public portal where permits for electronic submittal of the NOI are developed, issued, modified and renewed. It lets county agriculture staff create California Restricted Materials Permits delineating products, commodities and conditions for pesticide applications. The proposed new solution should be in a cloud-hosted environment. NOI data will be captured, stored and displayed via GIS technology; communications should provide online options for delivering notification messages through email, SMS texts, or push notifications.
- Respondents must describe their implementation approach to the statewide notification system; their proposed solution to developing an app featuring the key design elements; their proposed solution’s system architecture, including mobile, cloud-based and optional components; and their recommended solution and tools for implementing delivery mechanisms and messaging features. Respondents must also describe their recommended solution and tools for implementing GIS map technology and features; the types of resources, qualifications and hours for this type of project; and time to implementation, assuming a development/implementation duration of 18-36 months and a minimum of one year for maintenance and operations.
- The duration of any potential contract and its precise estimated value are not described in the RFI. The RFI is intended to survey the marketplace to understand the available products or services and the approximate cost of a procurement, as well as assess what’s available in the marketplace and validate information and functions for a possible solicitation. Responses to the RFI are due by 12 p.m. Nov. 9, and the RFI process is intended to be complete by Dec. 29.
