In a request for information released Thursday, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) wants to learn more about a cloud-based, customized software-as-a-service (SaaS) and database-as-a-service (DbaaS) solution. Specifically, it’s asking about building such a solution, to replace its current California Sex Offender Management Board (CASOMB) system. Among the takeaways:
- In accordance with state statute, CDCR’s CASOMB is legally mandated to provide certification to agency and provider clinicians. CASOMB staff supports the CASOMB Board by managing all sex offender agency and provider certifications statewide. The Board’s Certification Committee develops and implements sex offender agency and provider requirements based on current research and best practices. The CASOMB unit translates these requirements into online certification application forms for clinicians in the community applying for CASOMB certification. CASOMB staff review and approve all CASOMB certification applications for agency or provider certifications received. State Authorized Risk Assessment Tools for Sex Offenders (SARATSO) staff manage SARATSO trainings and certification. The SARATSO Review Committee identifies and considers possible sex offender risk assessment tools for use in the state. SARATSO works closely with CASOMB, using CASOMB policy to govern SARATSO certification, and vice versa. SARATSO certification is required for CASOMB certified agencies and providers to maintain CASOMB certification.
- The new system would not only replace the CASOMB; it would also bring the SARATSO certification application process into a single, web-based solution. The new solution would have to meet CDCR’s business need for CASOMB and SARATSO certification application requests/e-payments; acceptance of certification applications; and certification/record management. The solution would have to be highly customizable and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to meet certification requirements that are ever-changing.
- RFI responses must identify a long-term customized SaaS and DbaaS cloud solution capable of supporting online CASOMB certification and SARATSO certification tracking. Services must have online application request forms and electronic payment methods, to avoid certification delays and support the continuity of daily business operations against natural disasters and epidemics; streamline the public and state certification process for the public and the state for quicker turnaround on application acceptance; and streamline data management into a secure, central hub. Any new solution must allow replacement of the existing SaaS service; provide an initial and ongoing customized SaaS and DbaaS cloud solution; port existing data to the new system; enable creation and modification of user accounts for repeated system access to manage or modify profiles or applications; allow online CASOMB certification application requests, HIPAA-compliant applications payments and certificates; and online SARATSO certification training application and certificates. The system must also prevent duplication of user profiles; provide a useful search function; enable CASOMB revocation of agency or provider certifications; and enable assignment of SARATSO certified trainers to a CASOMB staff caseload.
- Interested respondents must have at least five years’ experience designing and developing cloud-based customized SaaS and DbaaS solutions. CDCR cautions respondents that the cost for developing a response to the RFI is entirely their responsibility, and the RFI should not be considered a commitment to any purchase orders — nor will CDCR be obligated to provide any purchase orders against the RFI. Questions on the RFI are due by Feb. 19. CDCR will respond to questions by Feb. 22. Responses to the RFI are due by March 8. Based on responses, the department plans to book contractor demonstrations of proposed solutions that best meet its needs; and it may release a request for offer under a leveraged procurement agreement, or develop a request for proposal.
