REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROVINCIAL GROWTH AND YIELD INITIATIVE DATABASE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
ALBERTA FOREST GROWTH ORGANIZATION PO BOX 6330 HINTON, AB T7V 1X6
AUGUST 15, 2013
Alberta Forest Growth Organization
Request for Proposal PGYI Database Application Design and Development
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.
BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................2
2.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................2
3.
SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................................................3
4.
GUIDELINES............................................................................................................................................................3
5.
BUDGET...................................................................................................................................................................3
6.
PROPOSAL AND PROJECT TIMELINE ..................................................................................................................4
7.
QUALIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................................4
8.
EVALUATION CRITERIA........................................................................................................................................5
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Alberta Forest Growth Organization
Request for Proposal PGYI Database Application Design and Development
1. BACKGROUND The Alberta Forest Growth Organization (AFGO) is currently accepting proposals to design, develop, and implement a database application for its Provincial Growth and Yield Initiative (PGYI). This application will house permanent sample plot (PSP) data collected by forest companies to support development and validation of growth models. AFGO is an association with membership consisting for 10 Alberta forest companies and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD). AFGO’s mandate is to expedite and co-ordinate the development of a recognized, secure and well-funded forest growth and yield sector in Alberta that operates effectively and efficiently to address emerging issues in all of Alberta’s natural resource management sectors that require growth and yield knowledge and expertise for solutions.
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The objective of the PGYI is to collectively obtain data on tree growth through repeated measurements of Permanent Sample Plots to develop/calibrate/validate growth models for Forest Management Plan yield curve development and the Reforestation Standards of Alberta assessment process. AFGO requires a database application for PGYI is seeking an experienced consultant to design and develop this database application. The application must allow members to input and query data and generate reports on the data. Members will be operating in a number of different locations without access to a common network, so a web-based application is preferred. The PGYI dataset is will consist of repeated measurements of over 2,000 plots and will contain over 1,000,000 records. AFGO will consider options for an application hosted on its own server or on the developer’s server. The data will be in the format described in the attached manual PGYI_Manual.pdf. A tentative data model (Data_Model.pdf) and description of the proposed tables (Domain_tables.xlsx) are included for reference and to provide a sense of the scope of the project. The successful bidder will not be required to use this data model.
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Alberta Forest Growth Organization
Request for Proposal PGYI Database Application Design and Development
3. SCOPE The scope of this project includes design and development of AFGO’s PGYI database application. The application must have the following capabilities and characteristics:
A User-friendly environment that makes uploading and enter data easy for users with limited computer experience. Capability to upload existing data in formats to be determined. Capability for directly keypunching new data. Data validation, including checking for valid codes and for logical errors such as trees that shrink between measurements or plots that are located outside of Alberta. An example of the kinds of checks that will be required is included in the attached file PGYI_ Validation_Rules_8Aug2013.xlsx. Development of specified “canned” reports will be required and capability to export of data into specified formats. Systems manual and user manual.
4. GUIDELINES Proposals will be accepted until 5pm MST September 15, 2013. Proposals received after this date and time will not be accepted. Proposals must be submitted to: Sharon Meredith, MScF, RPF Director, Alberta Forest Growth Organization sharon@sugarloafconsulting.ca Proposals must contain a timeline and describe interim deliverables. All costs must be itemized to include an explanation of all fees and costs as outlined below. Any work to be outsourced or sub-contracted must be clearly stated in the proposal and costs associated with this work must be included in the proposal. Names of qualifications of proposed subcontractors must be included. The proposal must specify the platform that will be used for application development. The resulting database application will be owned by AFGO. Additional contract terms and conditions will be negotiated upon selection of the winning bidder.
5. BUDGET All proposals must include proposed costs to complete the tasks described in the project scope. Pricing should be listed for each of the following items: 3
Alberta Forest Growth Organization
Request for Proposal PGYI Database Application Design and Development
Design Development Report development Deployment and testing Long term support Hosting (include both up-front and on-going costs)
6. PROPOSAL AND PROJECT TIMELINE Request for Proposal Timeline: All proposals in response to this RFP are due no later than 5pm MST September 16, 2013. The selection decision for the winning bidder will be made no later than September 30, 2013. If additional information is needed from any bidders during the selection process, the bidder(s) will be notified. The contract negotiation with the winning bidder will begin immediately after notification of selection. Contract negotiations will be completed by October 15, 2013. Notifications to bidders who were not selected will be completed by October 10, 2013. Project Timeline: Development of the database must be completed by March 31, 2014.
7. QUALIFICATIONS Bidders should provide the following items as part of their proposal for consideration:
Description of experience in designing, building, and hosting databases List of how many full time, part time, and contractor staff in your organization References from three past clients for whom you have developed databases Anticipated resources you will assign to this project (total number, role, title, experience) Timeframe for completion of the project Project management methodology
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Alberta Forest Growth Organization
Request for Proposal PGYI Database Application Design and Development
8. EVALUATION CRITERIA AFGO will evaluate all proposals based on the following criteria.
Overall proposal suitability: The proposed solution must meet the project scope and needs and be presented in a clear and organized manner
Organizational experience: Bidders will be evaluated on their experience as it pertains to the scope of this project
Previous work: Bidders will be evaluated on client testimonials and references from past clients
Value and cost: Bidders will be evaluated on the cost of their solution
Technical expertise and experience: Bidders must provide descriptions and documentation of staff technical expertise and experience
Questions can be directed to Sharon Meredith at 780-865-5458 or sharon@sugarloafconsulting.ca.
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