According to the RFO, the TPWD is referring to the solution as the Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD) information request tool. The tool is expected to “manage and disseminate scientific information on rare species, native plant communities and animal aggregations for defensible, effective conservation actions.”
TXNDD receives between 1,200 and 1,600 requests for spatial information and accompanying reports related to the distribution and location of native plant and animal species within the state every year.
Currently, TPWD staff fulfill these requests manually via email, or requesters with an organizational Esri account can view data online through an ArcGIS online story map.
The problem is that the aging ArcGIS online story map will soon be phased out, prompting the need for a new information request tool.
TPWD is looking for a solution that can accomplish the following:
- The solution should be able to exclude confidential information from the interactive map based on attributes in TXNDD.
- A user must be able to create a username and password-protected account to access the application’s precise spatial data and site analysis.
- The application must access data hosted in multiple locations, ensuring that when spatial or tabular data is updated, added or deleted, the application is using the correct combination of data.
- All spatial data must be in a format that can be added to an interactive mapping application, such as shapefile, geodatabase or raster format.
- Tabular data for the county distribution portion of the application must have a link that can be used to visually display the county distribution for a specific species.
- All users must be able to access the map through a computer web browser and not need to use desktop software or have a paid account with any third-party company or mapping software application.
- The solution must be able to work with new spatial data products as they are developed.
- Obsolete data must be removable without altering functionality or engaging a third party to make changes.
RFO No. 802-23-32718 can be found online. The due date for vendors to submit information is April 25.
