HomeMy WebLinkAboutBS&A - Milton City GA - CD RFP Response 3.27.18_FINAL
Proposal for:
City of Milton, Fulton County
Georgia
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting & Inspections Software
Submitted by:
BS&A Software
14965 Abbey Lane
Bath, MI 48808
(855) 272-7638
Kevin Schafer
Account Executive
KSchafer@bsasoftware.com
Closing Date:
March 27, 2018
2:00 p.m. EST
2
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
1. City of Milton Request for Proposals Cover Page
3
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
2. City of Milton Disclosure Form
4
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
3. City of Milton Proposal Letter
4. City of Milton Request for Proposals Cover Page
CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT
STATE OF GEORGIA
CITY OF MILTON
By executing t n -s affidavit; the undersigned contractor vert=es its cornpliance with O.C.G.A. § 1310-
91, stating af- r*natively that the individuai. term: or corporation which is engaged in the physical
performance of services on behalf of the C t'v of Milton has registered vvfth, is authorized to use
and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E -Verify, or any subsequent
repiocernent progrorn, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established
in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Furthermore. -he uncle -signed con`ractor will continue to use the federal
work outhorization program throughout -he contract period and the urdersigred contractor will
contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction o~ such contract only with
subcontractors who present or, affidavit to the contractor with the information required by
C.C.:.A.. g 13-10-91(bj.
Contractor hereby attests that its federol work authorizatior: user identification number and dote
authoriaotior, are as follows:
530101
gy]p.r� Number
121212013
Date of Authorization
BSS&A Software
Name of Contractc,
Electronic Plan ReVe%.. Perrr't-iici
Inspections Sof -.,-ire
Name of Project
Cit=, of Milton
Name of Public Employer
I hereby declare urder penalty of pejury tha?
the foregoing is true and correct. Executed
on th, Lb, 2011 in 'Pity),
-A4 ;stafei_
lLix
Signa ure o= Authorized Officer or Agent
-lie R ce Printed
Norne or c Title of Authorized Officer or Agent
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME O
THIS THE Z DAY OF h4
NO 4 " JB
NOTARY SEAL] # , CcrrErz"
hVl:y Cornrnis57on Expires:
City of Milton, GA
BS&A Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
5. Cover Page
March 20, 2018
City of Milton
2006 Heritage Walk
Milton, GA 30004
RE: Electronic Plan Review, Permitting & Inspections Software
We are pleased to respond to the City’s Request For Proposal.
For 25 years, BS&A Software has provided software solutions for local and county government.
Governmental software is not a side-light or specialty product for us – governmental software is our
sole focus. Our success is evidenced with over 8,000 installations of our various software
applications for customers ranging in population from 1,000 to over 1,000,000.
We have hundreds of installations of our Community Development Software Systems spread
throughout 17 states. The following proposal outlines our company stability and history, technology
strategy, superior products, and our unparalleled implementation and support services. We look
forward to your positive consideration of our proposed solution.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have following the review of this
proposal. I will be pleased to assist you, and can be reached at 855-272-7638.
Sincerely,
Kevin Schafer
Account Executive
PH: 517.641.8900
FX: 517.641.8960
KSchafer@bsasoftware.com
14965 Abbey Lane
Bath, MI 48808
Toll Free: (855) BSA-SOFT
P: (517) 641-8900
F: (517) 641-8960
www.bsasoftware.com
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6. Table of Contents
Section No. Section Name Page
1. City of Milton RFP Cover Page 2
2 City of Milton Disclosure Form 3
3. City of Milton Proposal Letter 4
4. City of Milton Contractor Affidavit and Agreement 5
5. Cover Letter 6
6b. Company History 8
6c. Project Team 9
6d. Experience and References 13
6e. Project Understanding and Proposed Solution 14
6f. Implementation Schedule 17
7. Appendix 20
8. Pricing – under separate cover
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6b. Company History
BS&A Software, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Michigan in 1991 with a vision of providing
powerful public sector software to local government in Michigan. Our product line has since
grown to an extensive list of 32 software products including a Financial Management Suite, a
Property-Based Suite, Community Development Suite, and other companion products for local
and county government. With the growth in products, our customer base has expanded to
include municipalities in 15 states. We focus exclusively on municipal government – all 2,000+
of our clients are local government entities. One hundred percent of our annual revenue is from
public sector customers.
Currently, we have 575 public sector customers using the proposed applications. BS&A employs
over 150 team members involved in software development, IT, sales, implementation, training and
technical support. Over 50% of our staff is dedicated to the development and support of the
proposed applications. We are a privately held Company, and have never been sold since our
incorporation.
BS&A Software is an equal opportunity employer. BS&A Software prohibits discrimination based
on a person’s race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, religion, marital status,
disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic.
Keys to Success
All of our team members are trained in providing great customer service. In order to ensure a
successful system and implementation, we have identified the following objectives and strategies:
1. Implement Operational Improvements: Little is gained by simply purchasing new software
and continuing existing practices. BS&A strongly believes that, while implementing a new
system, numerous opportunities will arise to eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our
experienced implementation consultants will work together with your team to identify and
incorporate changes within their department that will allow them to “work smarter not harder”.
2. Focus on Training: A major contributor to the success of a new system is the need for a
concerted effort towards initial and on-going training of staff. BS&A uses experienced trainers
with accounting degrees, so that all parties are able to effectively utilize the system and
features.
3. Fully Integrated Solution: The advantages of having a completely integrated solution are
numerous. First, everyday activities like querying and reporting are consistent throughout a
range of products. More importantly, though, an integrated solution eliminates manual and
redundant data entry.
4. Implementation Experience: A project of this type requires a significant amount of effort to
efficiently implement. BS&A has been involved in thousands of implementations and provides
highly experienced project management and technical resources.
5. Support: Delivering the highest quality customer care is essential to your success. We
consider it the highest priority of our organization. Our closed-loop feedback system between
customers, tech support, and developers delivers lightning-fast resolution to any issue.
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6c. Project Team
Project Management & Implementation Planning Team
BS&A Software will provide information on personnel likely to be assigned to the project. In an effort
to most effectively use resources, personnel will be assigned to the project upon commencement of
implementation.
Name Bob Gross
Community Development Database Technician
Education Associate Degree
Date of Hire 2009
Responsibilities Implementation logistics; data entry
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including
Northbrook, IL, Peachtree City GA & North Little Rock AR
Prior Work Experience 2009-2014 BS&A Software – Community Development Support Rep
Name Kevin Keyes
Community Development Project Manager
Date of Hire 2011
Responsibilities Implementation logistics; data conversions; training arrangements,
Report Designer, data and logical program testing
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including Flagler
Beach, FL; Jeffersonville, IN; Northbrook, IL; Peachtree City, GA; Gulf
Breeze, FL; Saginaw, MI; Warren, MI; Sterling Heights, MI
Prior Work Experience 2007-2010 IBM – Software and hardware implementations, involving
over 6,000 hours of on-site training
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
Name Jeremy Latuszek
Community Development Project Manager
Education Bachelor degree in Marketing
Date of Hire 2008
Responsibilities Implementation logistics; data conversions; training arrangements,
Report Designer, data and logical program testing
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including
Northbrook, IL; Gulf Breeze, FL; Suwanee, GA; Jeffersonville, IN; Skokie, IL
Prior Work Experience 2008-2012 BS&A Software – I.T. Support
Implementation and Training Team
BS&A Software will provide information on personnel likely to be assigned to the project. In an effort
to most effectively use resources, personnel will be assigned to the project upon commencement of
implementation.
Name Rob Burritt
Director of Implementation and Training
Education Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting
Date of Hire 2011
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including Clinton
Charter Township, MI; Shorewood Village, WI; Marquette, MI;
Jacksonville, AR: Grand Haven City, MI; and Westland, MI
Prior Work Experience 2006-2011
2000-2006
RTS Consulting, Inc. – Senior Client Manager; Installed
and configured software systems, training, provided
recommendations for new software procedures
TCI Solutions/Retalix Ltd. – Manager/Professional
Services; Training on new software procedures, software
implementation, consult and coordinate with analysts
Name AJ Wood
Community Development Trainer
Education Bachelor Degree in Finance
Date of Hire 2015
Responsibilities Implementation, Training & Support of BS&A Software Community
Development Systems
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in local and county implementations including Northbrook Village,
IL; Town of Salem, WI; City of Greenfield, WI; City of Alachua, FL; Village of
Skokie, IL
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
Name Cindy Baran
Community Development Trainer
Education Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment, Sport, and Promotion Management
Date of Hire 2016
Responsibilities Implementation, Training & Support of BS&A Software Community
Development Systems
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including: Grand
Haven Township, MI; City of Greenville, MI; Round Lake Beach, IL; Village
of Gilberts, IL; Village of Elburn, IL; City of Flint, MI; Village of Island Lake
Prior Work Experience 2014-2015
2013-2014
2001-2016
Macomb County’s Medical Care Facility – Admin Support
Northwood University – New Student Coordinator
Professional Figure Skating Coach
Name Kelly Garner
Community Development Trainer
Education BBA degree in Public Administration and Political Science
Date of Hire 1996
Responsibilities Implementation, Training & Support of BS&A Software Community
Development Systems
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including Leslie
Township, MI; Village of Biscayne Park and El Portal, FL; Redford
Township, MI; City of Swartz Creek, MI
Prior Work Experience 1996-2012
1993-1995
BS&A Software – Training/Support of property applications
City of Battle Creek – Property Appraiser
Name Kyle Schian
Community Development Trainer
Education Bachelor Degree in Finance & Business Administration
Date of Hire 2015
Responsibilities Implementation, Training & Support of BS&A Software Community
Development Systems
BS&A Project
Experience
Involved in numerous local and county implementations including: City of
Victoria, MN; Village of Skokie, IL; Village of Park Forest, IL; Village of
Lincolnshire, IL; City of Overland, MO; City of North Little Rock, AR; City of
Woodstock, GA; Town of Medley, FL
Prior Work Experience 2015-2016
2014-2015
BS&A Software – Financial Management Support Intern
Nolan Transportation Group – National Accounts Manager
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6d. Experience and References
Customer Woodstock City, Cherokee County, GA
Contact Person Robert Porche, Chief Financial Officer
Phone / Email (770) 592-6000 rporche@woodstockga.gov
Address 12453 Highway 92, Woodstock GA 30188
Contract Date 2015
Modules AMG - Building Department, AMG - Employee Self-Services, Accounts
Payable, Building Department, Business Licensing, Cash Receipting,
Fixed Assets, General Ledger, Human Resources, Payroll, Utility Billing
Population 26,000
Converted From Database Setup
Project References Project Manager: Phone: Other Team Members:
Kevin Keyes 517-641-8900
Bob Gross, Kyle
Schian
Customer City of Douglasville, Douglas County GA
Contact Person Karin Callan, Finance Director
Phone / Email (678) 449-3076 callank@douglasvillega.gov
Address 6695 Church Street, Douglasville, GA 30134
Contract Date 2017
Modules AMG - Building Department, Accounts Payable, Building Department,
Business Licensing, Cash Receipting, Fixed Assets, Filed Inspection,
General Ledger, Miscellaneous Receivables, Purchase Orders, Utility
Billing, Work Orders
Population 33,252
Converted From SunGard Bi-Tech
Project References Project Manager: Phone: Other Team Members:
Kevin Keyes 517-641-8900
Bob Gross, Jeremy
Latuszek, Kyle Schian
Customer City of Peachtree Corners, Gwinnett County, GA
Contact Person Brandon Branham, Accounting Manager
Phone / Email (770) 609-8818 bbranham@peachtreecornersga.gov
Address 147 Technology Parkway NW, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners GA 30092
Contract Date 2014
Modules Building Department, Field Inspection, Work Order, AMG-Building
Department
Population 31,704
Converted From Database Setup
Project References Project Manager: Phone: Other Team Members:
Kevin Keyes 517-641-8900
Bob Gross, Jeremy
Latuszek
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6e. Project Understanding and Proposed Solution
Describe the system’s ability to meet the scope requirements outlined Section 3.
We are able to meet the scope of requirements as outlined, with the exception of the items noted
below.
3.1 – General System Requirements – Tyler Incode Integration:
We have an export available to provide Journal Entry information to Tyler Incode.
3.1.1.m – Password Security:
BS&A supports integration with Active Directory users, allowing access to all password security
features in Active Directory.
3.1.1.p - Operating Systems:
The BS&A .Net client-server applications require a Windows platform. AccessMyGov is accessed
via web-browser and is OS-independent.
3.1.2.e – Automated verification of application pre-requisites
3.1.2.e.ii – Code Enforcements can be tracked in BS&A. No data validation exists with Accela or
GoEnforce.
3.1.2.e.iii – No data validation exists with Tyler Incode.
3.1.2.e.iv – No data validation exists with Tyler Incode.
3.3 – Plan Review
The BS&A applications do not directly offer electronic plan review, instead we integrate with
Bluebeam. These services can be purchased through Bluebeam, for which we have included
pricing. Bluebeam meets the included requirements with the following exceptions.
3.3.p – Bluebeam does not utilize a pre-built comment library.
3.3.v – Bluebeam does not have the ability to provide a code comparison.
GIS Capabilities:
Can integrate with ESRI ArcGIS SDE or can import shape files. The integration allows for a direct
link between your data and GIS maps, giving you a powerful tool to view data, plot various
datasets, and quickly view neighboring accounts.
Laserfiche:
We are currently in the process of building integration with Laserfiche, but this functionality is not
yet available. It is anticipated this functionality will be available prior to the City’s go-live.
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
Other Exceptions
Section Explanation of Exception
Sample Contract –
Section I, Paragraph
D
For sake of Clarity, the terms of this paragraph would not apply to the
renewal of maintenance and support, as shown in Paragraph 10.2 of our
Standard agreement, included in this response which has been used with
numerous customers in the state of Georgia.
Sample Contract –
Section II, Paragraph
B (First Paragraph
B)
BS&A cannot agree to the stated provision that, “If the Parties cannot
reach an agreement on the terms for performing the changed work within
a reasonable time to avoid delay or other unfavorable impacts as
determined by the City in its sole discretion, City shall have the right to
determine reasonable terms, and Contractor shall proceed with the
changed work.”
Sample Contract –
Section IV,
Paragraph G
The indemnification requested by the City here would be subjected to the
Limitation on Liability, as shown in Paragraph 14 of our Standard
agreement, included in this response.
Sample Contract –
Section IV,
Paragraph I(8)
As shown in Paragraph 3.1 of our Standard agreement, included in this
response, any warranty claim must be made within a period of one (1)
year.
Sample Contract –
Section IV,
Paragraph O
Costs for on-site meetings, and travel, to be billed at standard rates.
The database shall be built on a SQL server platform.
All of our programs are built with the Microsoft .NET software development platform using the
latest tools available and work with SQL Server 2008 or newer, linking together using a database
grouping method.
Describe how our data can be imported to or exported from the system.
We have the ability to interface third party software with several of our applications using built in
generic import/export features.
Specify the number and types of users who can use the system, along with cost
breakdowns for different numbers (if applicable). Based on current staffing levels, City of
Milton sees a need for twenty (20) concurrent users.
The system allows for an unlimited number of concurrent users.
Describe the types and hours of support available to users. Identify minimum response
times for major problems (e.g., on-site support within 4 hours). Support shall include but is
not limited to free software upgrades, patches, scripts, etc.
Our support staff is available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern
Time. The average response time is less than 15 minutes, and 95% of our support requests are
contacted in less than 30 minutes. Our support program includes program updates/
enhancements that are made available to all current customers. Based on client requests, regular
program updates are available for download on our website. The cost of these updates is included
in the annual support and maintenance fee.
15
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
Describe the system’s ability to grow in size as Milton grows, For example, what changes
would be needed in the future as the City’s population and associated staff and assets
grows? Note if there is an upper limit that would require a substantial upgrade.
The system is scalable via two primary methods: System Architecture and Database
Engine. Using Micros SQL as the database engine provides for enterprise level data scalability
capabilities. The system support virtually an unlimited amount of storage (4 TB) and processors
(up to 320 logical processors). The System Architecture also enables scalability, both through
licensing and support of Virtual Server environment. Using Virtual servers, it is possible to add
additional server capacity, without affecting the existing environment.
Specifically note the system’s ability to handle additional users without a negative impact
on performance.
From a licensing perspective, BS&A offers unlimited scalability. Every product that we offer is
provided as a site license. Today, you can deploy the software to one department or ten, with no
additional licensing costs. As future needs grow, the existing software modules can be made
available to additional departments.
Describe the amount and type of training included in the proposal. Provide line-item
costs for training activities and options. It may be desirable to have a kick-off training
session and then a follow-up several weeks or months into use. Identify support numbers,
emails, on-line references, training manual etc. that are available. Describe successful
implementation processes used in similar sized municipalities.
On-Site Classroom Training
BS&A will provide the existing documentation, training manuals, and texts to assist in the training
process. The application-specific training materials are further broken down by process, so that it
is possible to pick and choose materials appropriate for the particular training session. The
training materials provided can be used, copied, combined and/or distributed for any City training
sessions.
End User Training
The estimated number of training days for end user training for City staff on all software modules:
Software Setup Days: 1
Building Department .NET Days: 30
Field Inspection .NET Days: 5
Citizen Request for Action .NET Days: 3
AccessMyGov – Building Department Days: 2
Post Go-Live Days: 2
Total: 43
If necessary, additional onsite training or support is available for $1,100/day plus applicable
expenses. Alternatively, remote web training is also available for a fee of $160/hour. Several user
group meetings are scheduled throughout the year. Meetings are held at our training facility in
Bath, Michigan and are complementary to our customers. Webinar participation is available for
those unable to attend the user group meetings in person. Additionally, videos of these meetings
are available on our website shortly after the meeting takes place.
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
Describe the security features associated with the system.
Each user is either set-up directly in the BS&A Administration system or imported from Active
Directory. Access can be provided as “Read Only,” “Custom,” “Administrator” or “No Access” to
each module. “Custom” access includes detailed functional security control. For example, in
reporting, each user can have separate access to: Add, Back-up, Delete, Edit, Import, Modify,
Print, Rename, Restore, Run, and Create/Edit Report Profiles. Similar functional security controls
are available for every function. By defining “Custom” access it is possible to granularly set the
functional access for each employee. The software also has the capability to support User
Groups. This allows for defining group security settings which are inherited by all members of the
group. This makes it very easy to define security settings for core user constituencies.
Describe the type and duration of warranties provided with the system.
Money Back Guarantee: BS&A is so confident in our ability to provide quality software, that we
provide you with a guarantee. If you are not satisfied with a BS&A product at any time during the
first year, simply return it and we will refund 100% of the price of the software.
Separately identify any proposed features above and those sought through this RFP, but
which you wish to propose as adding value for the city.
N/A
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
6f. Implementation Schedule
Proposed Implementation Schedule
The following Sample Implementation Schedule details the overall implementation timeframe and
schedule of events. The dates, times and order of events are subject to change based on
availability of the City and BS&A staff. This will be determined at the kick-off meeting should
BS&A be the selected vendor. BS&A guarantees that the system will be fully functional according
to the completion document once finalized at the commencement of the project.
Task Responsible Parties
(Bold is Primary)
Start Duration
Initiation Activities
Conduct Kick-off Meeting BS&A and City 1 month post signing 1 day
Review Project Scope and Project
Management Process
BS&A 1 month post signing 1 day
Establish Project Meeting Schedule BS&A and City 1 month post signing 1 day
Assemble BS&A Project Team BS&A 1.5 months post signing 1 day
Assemble City Project Team City 1.5 months post signing 1 day
Create Initial Project Timeline BS&A & City 1.5 months post signing 1 day
IT and Data Conversion Activities
Meet with City IT Staff to review
Hardware Configurations
BS&A and City 5 months pre go-live 1 day
Extract Preliminary Data from current
System
BS&A and City 5 months pre go-live 1 week
Conduct Data Mapping and Develop
Data Conversion Routines
BS&A 5 months pre go-live 1 month
Conduct Review of Converted Data BS&A and City 4 months pre go-live Approx. 1 day
Install Programs BS&A 4 months pre go-live 1 day
Knowledge Transfer
Conduct On-site Process Review
Meeting
BS&A and City 3 months pre go-live 2 days
Conduct Analysis of Current Forms BS&A and City 3 months pre go-live 1 day
Conduct Review of Required Reports BS&A and City 3 months pre go-live 1 day
Conduct Analysis of System Interface
Requirements
BS&A and City 3 months pre go-live 1 day
Develop Best Practices
Recommendation
BS&A 3 months pre go-live 1 day
Approve Recommendations City 3 months pre go-live 1 day
Provide Consulting and Assistance with
Chart of Account Redesign
BS&A 3 months pre go-live 1 day
Implementation
Create Forms BS&A 0-2 months pre go-live 2 days
Create Reports BS&A 0-2 months pre go-live 2 days
Conduct Acceptance Testing City 0-2 months pre go-live 2 days
Conduct Final Data Extraction City 1 week pre go-live 2 days
Convert Final Data BS&A 1 week pre go-live 2 days
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City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
On-site Set-up for Users &
Configuration Items
BS&A 0-1 month pre go-live 4 days
Training
On-site Training BS&A and City 0-2 months pre go-live Varies
Post-Project Activities
Post Project Review & Assessment BS&A and City 1 month post go-live Varies
Post Implementation Follow Up Training BS&A and City TBD TBD
Project Management
A member of our Project Management and Implementation Planning team will be assigned to
coordinate your project. Our consultant will oversee the implementation process, schedule all
necessary meetings, data transfer and conversion, and schedule training. All training proposed
will be performed onsite at your offices. Coordination, documentation and communication will be
provided throughout the project by way of Microsoft SharePoint.
System Design and Documentation
BS&A is responsible for creating a Recommended System Design and Configuration. This will be
accomplished by conducting an in-depth, on-site review of your existing process. The output of
those reviews will be a set of recommendations and associated system design and configuration
document. It is the City’s responsibility to review, approve and/or adjust that design. Some parts
of BS&A’s recommended design, may be items that the City wishes to implement in the
future. We will work with you to come up with a design that optimizes efficiencies, but takes into
account your current practices, policies and procedures. This will be provided to the Stakeholders
electronically and reviewed during on-site configuration/design review meeting. The outcome of
that meeting and subsequent discussions, will be to agree on a final system design/configuration.
Software Installation
Programs will be installed by BS&A for testing and learning purposes. This is informal and simply
allows users to play with the applications prior to formal training. Data will be installed at a later
date. This allows time for the staff to become familiar with the applications and review tutorials
prior to formal training.
Data conversion
Data conversion is the single most important aspect of any system implementation. We do not
force you to provide us data in a pre-defined format or go through a complex process to create data
mapped to a specific structure. Instead, we simply ask you to provide us with ASCII data
(preferably MS SQL or Access), and we will take ownership of the conversion process. And, we
take all the risk of data conversion, by providing you with “not to exceed pricing.” If the conversion
takes more work than expected, we will complete the additional work at no additional charge to the
City. Of course we will require your help in running reports and validating that data is converted
correctly, but it is our job to handle the conversion process – you just help make sure we get it right.
Data Conversion Process
In the course of bringing hundreds of municipalities onto our Community Development software
we have fine-tuned our data conversion process to minimize the work on your part and maximize
your ability to access past data. We have experience converting data from numerous different
legacy systems. We understand that your current software is ‘Meritage.’
19
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
Preliminary Data Conversion/Mapping
One of the first key activities in the project is to get an initial copy of your data. BS&A
consultants will map your existing data into the appropriate fields within BS&A. This mapping
will be used to drive the development of our data conversion routines. After a preliminary
conversion is developed we will interrogate the data and make sure it balances.
Data Review
Once we have converted the initial data, it will be installed on-site for review by your transition
team and BS&A staff. Together, we will walk through the data – you are the experts on the
information and we are the experts on our system. Any deficiencies in the raw data and/or
conversion process are identified and addressed. An evaluation is also made of any missing
pieces in the data that cannot be converted electronically. BS&A staff will often enter critical
items to reduce your workload during the busy transition period. This data will remain on your
test system for evaluation throughout the remainder of the process. If necessary, this step will
be repeated until we have the data conversion approved.
Final Conversion
Just before the “Go Live” date for a particular application, we will again extract a copy of your
data. In this case, it will be data that includes all the latest transactions. We will re-run our
conversion and load the data on-site into the appropriate BS&A application.
Scope of Data Conversion
The cost proposal identifies conversion costs. The scope of those conversions is estimated in the
below table. Exact scope will be determined following a review of the available data.
Application Scope of Conversion
Building Department Property Information, Open Permits and History data
Product Testing
The converted data will go through a Quality Control test. BS&A will first review/test the data, and
then pass it to the City for their review and critique. The recommended approach to the following
types of testing is:
1) System Testing
2) Integration Testing
3) Stress/Performance Testing
Go-Live
The final phase of the project you are running BS&A as your primary system. BS&A will be on-site
during these Go-Live periods to help quickly resolve any problems that may arise. At the
conclusion of this phase, we will transition you to our support team.
20
City of Milton, GA
Electronic Plan Review, Permitting &
Inspections Software RFP
March 27, 2018
7. Appendix