InforME RFP Awarded

By Lisa Leahy, OIT

The recent RFP process for the acquisition of InforME System Network Manager Services has concluded with an award to the incumbent, Maine Information Network (MIN). The InforME Board approved the recommendation of the RFP Review Committee on Sept. 27 th . While the most visible aspect of InforME Network Services is the Maine.gov website the criteria concerning the development and maintenance of online services played at as large a role in the selection process. The choice of MIN is partly a reflection of their dedicated eGovernment web portal focus, direct past experience and specialty in this specific line of business. MIN is a subsidiary of the National Information Consortium (NIC) which manages the nation's largest network of eGovernment services over 20 states.

The review committee and subcommittees were comprised of individuals from OIT proper as well as representatives of the Executive branch agencies, semi-autonomous agencies, legislative and judicial entities and InforME Board members. In addition to the Review Committee, the InforME Board's Technical and Financial Subcommittees reviewed the specific areas related to their expertise. Reviewers brought with them a wealth of experience in dealing with the InforME system that ranged from in-depth service level business partners to casual end users who viewed the system as positive to extremely challenging and in need of improvement.

Paul Sandlin will lead the contract negotiation team and work has already begun. The contract has the possibility of being in place for ten (10) years. The first iteration is for four years with two (2) three-year extensions possible. The current contract expires in January of 2008 and allows for a one-year transition period.

Items of interest that were part of the RFP and are expected to be included in the contract are:

  • Web content management system
  • GIS integration
  • Project management
  • Streaming audio/visual delivery
  • Web development environment
  • Increased time and materials statement of work
  • Web site trend analysis