Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 20, 2021
Subject
SUBJECT: LOCUS LICENSE PURCHASE
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a one-year, sole-source, firm-fixed price Contract No. PS74047000 to Cambridge Systematics, Inc. for the purchase of Locus software license and maintenance in the amount of $650,000 on behalf of the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (RIITS).
Issue
ISSUE
The current Locus software license, which provides Location-Based Services (LBS) data and was used to support the development of the NextGen Bus Plan, provides only limited 2017 and 2020 data and contains usage restrictions that reduce the effectiveness of this license. As the region emerges from the impacts of COVID-19, new data requirements and expanded usage of the license is needed to determine impacts to the transportation system and identify mobility improvements.
Background
BACKGROUND
Data has emerged as a critical component to better understand transportation and in particular the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mobility. Data and data services are increasingly provided through new forms of licensed software that enables agencies to improve awareness, analyze transportation/mobility impacts and develop more informed decisions. The essential role of data and its management is identified in Metro’s Recovery Task Force report and the Board’s Street Safety motion. As an example, data services, provided through the Locus license, were used by Metro Operations in the development of the NextGen Bus Plan.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
In support of Metro’s Vision 2028, staff has identified emerging data sources that can be used to better monitor, analyze and improve mobility, transportation and equity. Cambridge Systematics’ LBS Locus software represents one such data source. Metro’s current Locus license contains usage restrictions that limit access to the data and provides a limited dataset. The new license will enable Metro, through RIITS, to increase both the number of data users and provide an expanded menu of available data.
In support of this action, RIITS coordinated with a variety of units including Operations, the Office of Extraordinary Innovation (OEI), Highway Programs, Planning and Equity. As a result, the new license will include LBS data covering transit, rail, goods movement, traffic, bike, pedestrians, and telecommuting. The license will allow RIITS to share the software and data through a non-exclusive, nontransferable, unlimited, royalty-free, paid-up, and perpetual license. Future renewals may include additional datasets and data refreshes or updates. The processed data, provided via the Locus license, provides a historical perspective and presents the opportunity to better understand aggregated travel pattern. RIITS, working in collaboration with stakeholders, will continue to identify and pursue data sources and licenses, including emerging big data opportunities, that will enhance Metro’s ability to understand, monitor, analyze and develop solutions to improve mobility, transportation, and equity.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of the recommended actions may have a positive impact on the safety of the public and our employees. The collection and sharing of data and data services enables transportation stakeholders to improve their awareness and develop solutions to address transportation issues including safety.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost of this contract, $650,000, is included in the approved FY21 budget in cost center 3351, project 405526.
Impact to Budget
The award of the Locus license will have no impact on the budget for RIITS in FY21. RIITS is primarily funded from Prop C 25% - Streets and Highways. Securing of this license through RIITS may produce some future funding efficiencies by reducing the need for stakeholders to budget for similar licensed data.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
This recommendation supports strategic plan goal 4.1 which states, “Metro will work with partners to build trust and make decisions that support the goals of the Vision 2028 Plan”. Goal 4.1 includes a guiding principle that Metro will work to build trust with partners and stakeholders across the County in the interests of sharing data and information for transparent and inclusive decision-making.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may choose not to approve this contract for a Locus license. This is not recommended as it would restrict Metro’s ability to share the data and obtain the additional necessary datasets in the most cost-effective manner.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval, staff will execute Contract No. PS74047000 with Cambridge Systematics, Inc. and move forward to secure the license, implement/integrate the license within RIITS and begin outreach and sharing with stakeholders.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Kali K Fogel, RIITS Administrator, (213) 922-2665
Kenneth Coleman, DEO Highway Operations/Congestion Reduction, (213) 922-2951
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Shahrzad Amiri, Executive Officer, Congestion Reduction,
(213) 922-3061
Debra Avila, Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer,
(213) 418-3051
