Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 14, 2020
Subject
SUBJECT: TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING SERVICES
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER AUTHORIZING the Chief Executive Officer to:
A. AWARD a five-year, firm fixed unit rate Contract No. PS67661000 to Birdi Systems, Inc. (Birdi), for technology infrastructure engineering services supporting new facility Measure M and existing Metro facilities upgrade projects in an amount not to exceed $10,600,000, effective November 2020, subject to resolution of protest(s), if any.
B. EXECUTE individual task orders under the Contract for technology infrastructure engineering services for an aggregate not-to-exceed amount of $10,600,000.
Issue
ISSUE
Various technology infrastructure engineering services are required throughout the lifecycle of a design-build facilities construction or remodeling project. In the initial design stage, technical planners, computer aided drafting (CAD) and communications engineers are required. As the project progresses to the build stage, project managers; network, quality assurance and test engineers are needed. Metro’s Information and Technology Services (ITS) are needed to support the Agency’s projects and require the ability to readily access these engineering skill sets. Oftentimes, multiple bus and rail projects require these services concurrently. This recommended contract award to the vendor will provide Metro the required technical infrastructure services on an as-needed task order basis.
Background
BACKGROUND
Metro’s ITS Department is responsible for the design, engineering and implementation of technology infrastructure components supporting Measure M & R construction projects. Current active projects include Airport Metro Connector, Division 20 Portal Widening and Turnback, Gold Line Foothill Extension, Purple Line Extension, and the Regional Connector.
Metro currently has over 700 networked locations and over 3000 network connected vehicles. The technology infrastructure involves both local and wide area communication networks (LAN & WAN) delivered through fiber, lease line, radio, cellular, microwave and Wi-Fi communication technologies to support the transmission of data, voice, internet, closed-circuit television and video teleconferencing services.
Metro’s latest initiative for connecting buses through the public cellular network opens many opportunities for Metro and its customers. The riding public benefits by being able to access the Internet for needed online information while on the bus/train. Metro Operations benefits by being able to connect to onboard systems including vehicle health monitoring, fareboxes, automated passenger counters; as well as providing video-on-demand of security cameras for law enforcement.
To support the many projects associated with Metro’s Vision 2028 Strategic Goals and, specifically, to improve the customer experience through technology, to improve Metro Operations and to ensure the public and employees’ safety and security; Metro will need to expand its technology infrastructure across its fixed facilities and mobile fleet throughout Los Angeles County.
The recommended contractor service award will enable our ability to deliver, both timely and efficient, technology subject matter expertise and onsite resources to support our current and future technology initiatives.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Award of this contract will ensure that all bus/rail operating & maintenance facilities and Metro’s mobile fleet will have critical technology communications infrastructure to support network, communications and surveillance services. This capability enables Metro’s ability to provide our customers and Metro staff a safe, monitored and secure experience when utilizing Metro services.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for these services are included in the Measure M & R (bucket 1) project budgets and in the FY21 budget under the respective Program Management cost centers. Since this is a multi-year project, the project manager and the Chief Program Management Officer will be responsible for budgeting the cost in future fiscal years.
IMPACT TO BUDGET
The source of funds will come from Measure M & R and Federal & local funds. The use of these funding sources maximizes established funding provisions and guidelines.
Implementation_Of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommended contract award supports Metro Vision 2028 Strategic Goal 2: Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The alternative is to not award the contract and hire additional Technology Engineering Employees. This approach is not recommended due to the number of engineering disciplines that would need to be hired on a full-time basis.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval by the Board, staff will execute Contract No. PS67661000 to Birdi Systems, Inc. for technology infrastructure engineering services effective November 2020.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_By
Prepared by: William Balter, Sr. Director ITS, (213) 922-4511
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Bryan M. Sastokas, Chief Information Technology Officer, (213) 922-5510
Debra Avila, Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer, (213) 418-3051
