HomeMy WebLinkAboutC2009-066 - 2/24/2009 - ApprovedAmendment No 2 to Contract between RAM Technologies, Inc. and City of Corpus Christi,
Texas regarding Automated Meter Reading System.
Whereas, The City of Corpus Christi ("City") and RAM Technologies, fnc ("Consultant") executed
a Contract regarding Automated Meter Reading authorized by City Council on August 23, 2005
in Motion 2005-278 and on August 25, 2006 in Motion 2006-240 ("Agreement");
Now, therefore, the parties agree to amend the Agreement to clarify the scope of services as
follows:
1. City has engaged Consultant to provide services in connection with City's project
described as Automated Meter Reading System.
2. Scope of Work. Consultant shall provide additional services for the project in accordance
with the attached Exhibit A, Management & Technical Proposal, Years 4 and 5 System Build-
Out.
3. Fee. The City agrees to pay consultant for additional services provided in accordance
with Exhibit A, based on number of hours of performance, not to exceed $138,000.
4. This amendment takes effect upon execution by the City Manager.
5. All other terms and conditions of the agreement remain unchanged.
Agreed to by:
CITY OF~CORPUS CHRISTI
By: ~~
'Ang .Escobar
City anager
RAM Tec olo ies Ind, G , ,~
gy. /// ~Q ~//~'
Name: l.. ~ 2~ S ~o ~p ).~C,~.. fn~• l~(i~i/v
Title: Zne~., (-~ ~ ~/'~ ~*. f ~-o r ~,~t-'
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ARMANDO G IAPA ,
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Date: Z-~G 2c~o S
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SEC fTARY 9dk1•
2009-066
M2009-057
02/24/09
RAM Technologies
Management and Technical Services Supplemental
Proposal
For
The City of Corpus Christi
Automated Meter Reading System
Expansion
Years 4 and 5 System Build-Out
PRESENTED BY
RAM Technologies, Inc.
February 13, 2009
City of Corpus Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................4
2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................5
3.0 ABOUT RAM TECHNOLOGIES. INC .......................................................................7
4.0 PROJECT DEFINITION -AMR SYSTEM EXPANSION ...........................................9
5.0 SCOPE OF WORK ..................................................................................................10
6.0 PROJECT TEAM .....................................................................................................12
7.0 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................12
8.0 PROJECT RESOURCES, DURATION AND COSTS .............................................13
9.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS ....................................................................................14
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal 3
Citv of Corpus Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the additional work efforts to be
performed, project duration, personnel requirements, and pricing.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with this proposal, and look forward to working with
the City of Corpus Christi on this important project.
If further clarification of the information contained in this document is needed, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal 4
City of Corpus Christi -AMR hnnlementation Supplemental Proposal
2.0 Executive S
RAM Technologies, Inc. (RAM) is pleased to provide this technical services proposal to the City of
Corpus Christi for ongoing Project Management Services on the City's behalf for the continued
expansion of the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Initiative.
Since the AMR project inception RAM has functioned as the City's Project Management Resowce
for all phases of the AMR project to date. Subsequent to the development and delivery of the AMR
strategy and vendor selection process, RAM has managed all activities on behalf of the City related
to the detailed planning and deployment of the AMR solution for the designated pilot, as well as the
project expansion over the first three (3) years of the implementation. RAM is currently working
towazds the completion of the Yeaz 3 expansion phase, and prepazing to initiate AMR expansion
into Years 4 and 5.
RAM is submitting this proposal amendment to accommodate the additional resource requirements
essential to completing the AMR expansion work efforts. on behalf of the City in Years 4 and 5.
These additional resowce hours are based on actual project experience, and will increase the how
estimates provided to the City in 2006 for project years 4 and 5. These additional hours aze
essential to maintaining not only the detailed tracking of vendor progress and financial
reconciliation to budget -but also to allow for the ever increasing complexities of estimating
materials, the need for dynamic adjustments to scheduled route conversions, and working with all
parties to control the ever escalating costs associated with the remediation of the Water
Infrastructure in the field. RAM will also continue forwazd as an integral member of the Project
Team and Steering Committee inswing accwate and timely communications to all parties and
executives. The need for these additional hows have been realized primarily as a result of the
City's decision not to conduct a full survey in advance of the AMR conversion in the field.
This proposal outlines the supplemental hows required to achieve the desired project objectives
related to the continued expansion of the AMR system expansion across the City in project years 4
and 5.
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal 5
City of Corpus Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
The work el)`orts for AMR expansion will focus on the following areas:
• Review and evaluate the logical boundaries and account groupings for the entire five-yeaz build-
out, and finalize cycles and routes to be addressed in each ensuing yeaz of the AMR system
expansion.
• Continue estimating and providing ordering quantities to the City for the required water and gas
meters and registers and MTUs for AMR expansion for the account population. These estimates
will be prepared by RAM as there is not an anticipated survey planned for years 2, 3, 4, or the
beginning of yeaz 5 `.
• Continue to project and monitor escalating water infrastructure costs, and work with the City to
define potential alternatives to the continuously increasing water infrastructure issues
• Coordinate activities to ensure the AMR system expansion coincides with the WiFi network
extension
• Coordinate work efforts with City UBO, Water Department, Gas Department, Meter Reading
and Field Services personnel for the build-out and conversion of accounts from manual reading
to AMR
• Maintain financial oversight of vendors to insure invoices correlate to planned work efforts,
defined equipment requirements and identified system components, as well as reserved budget
• Continually-evaluate vendor performance and identify opportunities to refine installation plans
as AMR expansion moves forwazd
• Continue regular project status reviews to maintain project schedules, track costs, resolve
project contention points, and escalate issues for resolution as required.
• Continue to produce and distribute project communication reports
See sections 4 and 5 for more detailed information.
~ NGCIS has agreed to perform a survey in year 5 for remaining accounts to refine inventory requirements.
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplementa] Proposal
Ci of Corpus Christi -AMR hnnlementation Supplemental Proposal
3.0 About RAM Technologies, Inc.
3.1 RAM Technologies, Inc. (RAM)
RAM is dedicated to delivering technologically advanced solutions that enable our clients to solve
business challenges and improve performance. To successfully carry out this mission, we instill a
"customer-first" philosophy throughout our corporate culture. This principle guides every facet of
our work, to make each encounter with our organization a positive experience.
Since our founding in 1981, RAM Technologies evolved into full-service computing organization
that specializes in Information Technology management consulting and softwaze development. Our
consistent record of quality work has resulted in a solid reputation in the industry.
The majority of RAM Technologies' Management and IT Consulting Services have been directed to
lazge-scale projects where the Company and its clients work collaboratively as "partners" to achieve
the objectives of each engagement. Primary services include:
- PMO (Pro~am Management Office) Initiatives: Establishment and/or supervision of an
entity within an organization focused on managing IT project portfolios and resources to
enhance project quality and delivery across the enterprise, while monitoring and/or reducing
project costs.
- Strategic Planning: Development of an IT plan for a company or a business unit, including
system infrastructure, staffmg needs and support requirements. Management and Operations
Consulting: Analysis and recommendations for improving process management for a
business unit or enterprise operations.
- Management and Operations: Consulting: Analysis and recommendations for improving
process management for a business unit or enterprise operations.
- Systems Design and Development: Definition of system requirements, planning,
specifications, system design, and programming, documentation, testing, implementation
and post- implementation services.
- Solution Evaluation and Inte arg tion: Analysis of industry solutions and 3'~ party software
and technologies for a particular application and integration services to support the
deployment of the solution in the customer's environment.
- Documentation and Trainine: Specializing in technical communications using the latest
web-based technology and tools. We design and produce softwaze documentation in any of
the following formats: WinHelp, HTML-based help, or Adobe Acrobat PDF. RAM
Technologies also develops and implements complete user training programs for new or
existing software applications using multi-media and/or on-site training approaches.
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal
Ci of Co us Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
3.2 Summary Information about RAM:
RAM Technologies, Inc.
275 Commerce Drive
Suite 100
Fort Washington, PA 19034
215.654.8810
Number of Employees: 30
Years in Business: 27
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal
City of Corpus Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
4.0 Project Definition -AMR System- Expansion
4.0.1 Define parameters and population for AMR build-out for years 4 - 5
Determine the best segmentation of accounts and/or meter reading routes that would satisfy Corpus
Christi's desire to execute the AMR system build-out specifically focused on each ensuing years
budgeted build-out.
4.0.2 Implement /Manage AMR System Expansion -Years 4 - 5
RAM will work with the vendor(s) to develop detailed plans and schedules for the AMR system
expansion. RAM will work directly with the NGIT, National Metering, The City Water and Gas
Utility, the Utility Billing office and Utility Field Office to insure communications and proper
execution of AMR system expansion.
Project managers and the project steering committee must meet regularly to evaluate project
progress and resolve any issues that may surface on a timely basis during system deployment.
"Best Practices" and "Lessons Learned" should be tracked from the initiation of the expansion to
insure the smoothest possible rollout across full system expansion (Years 1 thru 5).
4.0.3 Evaluate each project year-expansion and refine project requirements
A formal review and evaluation of each project yeaz expansion will be conducted. This evaluation
process will identify any additional opportunities for implementation improvements as the City
continues to move through AMR system expansion. During this evaluation period additional
project requirements may arise - if this occurs these requirements will be documented for
incorporation into the remaining system expansion efforts.
System functionality and network performance should be reviewed against anticipated results to
refine projections related to a full system expansion. Any identified project contention points
should be documented and resolved. Project implementation methodologies should be evaluated for
potential streamlining and cost reduction opportunities (realize economies of scale) related to a full
system expansion.
Project reporting practices should also be reviewed to insure that information is accurate and being
distributed in a timely fashion to support system expansion. Project team and steering committee
roles and responsibilities should be reinforced, as a continuing requirement for a full system
expansion.
4.0.4 Maintain target budget projections for ensuing AMR expansion (years 4 - 5)
Tazget budgets for remaining build-out yeazs will be maintained and reported to project executives
and Steering Committee. Proposed budget estimates should include all anticipated softwaze,
hazdwaze, equipment, implementation and consulting costs for the ensuing project phases. CIP
budget estimates will be reviewed and assembled to be restated for City Council on an annual basis.
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal
City of Corous Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
5.0 Scope of Work
5.1 Scope of Services
Following are the summary level services that are required in support of the Corpus Christi AMR
system expansion for the years 4 and 5 build-out:
A. Define logical boundaries for the AMR build-out (years 4 & 5)
• Assist in the defmition of logical and geographical groupings of accounts to position
meters /accounts for the year 4 and 5 conversion schedule
• Prioritize the conversion of the geographical groupings of accounts to AMR that best
accommodates the City's budget and materials inventory
B. Develop the implementation parameters required to accommodate year two AMR
system expansion
• Define AMR meter requirements (with City and vendor) and purchasing strategies for
water meters and registers to accommodate AMR (no field survey anticipated)
• Define AMR meter requirements (with City and vendor) and purchasing strategies for
Gas meters and indexes to accommodate AMR (no field survey anticipated)
• Define requirements for Hexagram Meter Transmission Units (MTUs) single and dual
port to maximize AMR coverage while reducing individual unit costs
• Define requirements for composite lids and alternative methods of MTU installs to
facilitate the transmission of AMR water meter readings where MTUs are located in
water meter pits
• Ensure Hexagram DCU volumes and locations accommodate planned build-out
population (maximize positioning of DCUs where possible to reduce overall unit
requirements)
Continue to project, monitor and track escalating water infrastructure costs -and work
with the City and vendor to identify alternatives to controithe related expenditure
E. Manage /implement the AMR build-out of the City's AMR solution:
• Coordinate activities to ensure the AMR system expansion coincides with the WiFi
network extension
• Coordinate work efforts with City UBO, Water Department, Gas Department, Meter
Reading and Field Services personnel for the build-out and conversion of accounts from
manual reading to AMR
• Maintain financial oversight of vendors to insure invoices correlate to planned work
efforts, defined equipment requirements, and identified system components
/ Manage vendor as they install AMR devices in the field
/ Review, approve and/or reject vendor invoices based on actual progress in the
field
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal ] 0
Citv of Corous Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
F. Evaluate each project year build-out and system performance and refine project
requirements
• Refine business /operational requirements as necessary
• Refine financial models for continued system expansion
Review vendors, implementation resources and contractors
Review implementation strategies and resolve any project contention points
Review implementation costs and anticipated returns
G. Continued Project Management to support system expansion
• Strategic planning and project scheduling
• Project Communications and reporting
• Vendor management and evaluation
• Issue management and resolution
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal 11
City of Corpus Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Pronosal
6.0 Proiect Team
The project team will consist of resources from RAM Technologies, Inc. and the City of Corpus
Christi.
Following is a list of identified resources:
Christopher Minton -RAM Technologies, Inc.
Donald Abrew -RAM Technologies, Inc.
Corpus Christi AMR Project Team Resources
7.0 Proiect Requirements
Due to the important nature of this project and desired timeline, it is required that RAM have timely
access to the City of Corpus Christi's pertinent documentation and personnel to complete this effort.
RAM Technologies, Inc. Supplemental Proposal ]2
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City of Corpus Christi -AMR Implementation Supplemental Proposal
9.0 Terms and Conditions
It is understood that any significant changes in the scope of these efforts may result in an adjustment to the
fees stated in Section 8.0, to reflect a lower or higher fee depending upon the circumstances.
This proposal is valid unti160 days from the date appearing on the cover, at which time a revised proposal
may be required.
9.1 Project Assumptions
1. Project will initiate in August of each year and continue fora 12 month period
2. CC resource requirements are in addition to the proposed RAM resources
3. Meter inventory and infrastructure estimates will be prepazed utilizing best available information and
past experience gained in the AMR Pilot and prior yeazs expansion efforts.
4. Metering components will be readily available in volumes to support AMR pilot requirements
5. Vendor MTU and DCU components will be readily available in volumes to support AMR pilot
requirements
6. WiFi will be deployed throughout the areas containing Yeaz 4 & 5 build-out accounts prior to the
installation of AMR devices in the field
7. Work will be performed on a Time & Materials basis (against best estimates)
RAM Technologies, Inc.
14