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University Of Idaho Hazards Research

Request for Proposal (RFP)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Student Research and
Implementation

1. Overview
1.1 Purpose
The Department of Geography at the University of Idaho is currently working on assembling a
hazards research group for the state of Idaho. The purpose of this RFP is to select an
administration, bureau, or company (Proposer) to provide full project implementation services to
students in order for their research to deliver a GIS solution that will integrate with existing data
and provide a fully functional hazards database in order to successfully assess, and mitigate
chemical hazards within the state of Idaho.
This research group would have the primary focus of determining the exact locations of
hazardous chemicals inside the state of Idaho. In addition to determining locations, the group
will focus on determining the amount of the chemicals, and using that amount, combined with
site, atmospheric, and census block data, the group will assess the threat level, or the degree of
hazard involved in a chemical leak, spill, or explosion. The group will be inputting this data into
a GIS, or geographic information system, in order for the appropriate entities to access this data
via use of a statewide map that will be the final product of the research conducted by the hazards
group. This map, will allow for the location and assessment of chemical hazards to the public,
and private sector.
This RFP contains scope work requirements that the selected Proposer must meet, or exceed.
Any specifications and processes delineated in this RFP reflect the current environment and are
not intended to limit Proposers in developing their solution to this bid. However, all Proposers
must explain thoroughly how their offering meets or exceeds the services expected in the RFP.
1.2 RFP Schedule
Table 1, RFP schedule of events represents the Universitys best estimate of the schedule to be
followed. Unless otherwise specified, the time for the following events will begin at 9:00 a.m.,
and will conclude at 2:00 p.m., Pacific Time.
RFP EVENT DATE/TIME
1 University Board of Directors approves & issues RFP 10 Mar 2014
2 Deadline for Submitting a Proposal 20 Apr 2014
3 University Completes Proposal, Pricing Evaluations Accepts RFP 20 May 2014
4 Conclusion of Contract & Award of Bid 1 July 2014
Table 1- RFP Schedule of Events
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1.3 RFP Coordinator
All communication relative to this RFP must be directed to the RFP Coordinator. Unauthorized
contact regarding this RFP with other staff may result in disqualification.
The RFP Coordinator will be the sole point of contact for this RFP.

Mr. Eric K. Larson, Student Researcher
1101 E. Third Street
Moscow, Idaho 83843
509-828-9728
lars0644@vandals.uidaho.edu

1.4 Nondiscrimination
No person will be excluded from participation, be denied benefits of, be discriminated against in
the admission or access to, or be discriminated against in treatment or employment in the
Universitys contracted programs or activities on the grounds of disability, age, race, color,
religion, sex, nationality, or any other classification protected by Federal or Idaho State
Constitutional or statutory law. Nor will they be excluded from participation in, be denied
benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the performance of contracts with the
University or in the employment practices of the Universitys contractors. In addition, all
Proposers entering into contracts with the University will, upon request be required to show
proof of such nondiscrimination and to post in open areas, available to all employees and
applicants.
1.5 Proposal Preparation Costs
The University will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, or presentation
of any proposal.
1.6 RFP Amendment and Cancellation
The University reserves the autonomous right to amend this RFP in writing at any time. The
University also reserves the right to cancel or reissue the RFP at its sole discretion. If an
amendment is issued, it will be provided. Proposers will respond to the final written RFP and
any attachments and amendments.
1.7 Proposal Deadline
Proposals will be submitted no later than the Proposal Deadline time and date detailed in Table
1, RFP Schedule of Events. Proposers will respond to the RFP and any attachments, or
amendments. A Proposers failure to submit a proposal as required before the deadline will
cause the proposal to be disqualified. Proposers assume the risk of the method of delivery
chosen, so receipt confirmation is encouraged. The University assumes no responsibility for
delays caused by any delivery service. Proposals may not be delivered orally, by facsimile
transmission, by email, or by other telecommunication or electronic means.
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1.8 Proposal Submittal
Proposers must submit one original, signed Master, X copies, and one electronic copy on CD or
memory stick in a sealed package. Proposals must be prepared on standard 8 x 11, two-
sided paper, and submitted in three-ring binders. The package should be labeled:
ATTENTION: MR. ERIC K. LARSON
PROPOSAL FOR GIS RESEARCH AND IMPLEMENTATION
NAME OF PROPOSER
PROPOSERS ADDRESS
PROPOSERS CONTACT PERSON
PROPOSERS TELEPHONE NUMBER
The proposal may be mailed, couriered, or hand delivered to the RFP coordinator address in
section 1.3. The University must receive all proposals by the date and time shown in Table 1,
RFP Schedule of Events. Proposals received after this time and date may be returned unopened.
Postmarks will not be accepted as proof of receipt.
Limited discussion and additional information will be given.

2. University of Idaho Department of Geography Hazards Group
The University of Idahos Hazards Research Group was formed by the Department of
Geography in 2009 to provide the state with current, adequate, and detailed hazard information
and assessments. Through this information, mitigation techniques are developed based on the
research, projected vulnerability and risk assessment. The department emphasizes the
integration of human and physical geography and encourages the use of geospatial technologies
including GIS, cartography, remote sensing, and computational analysis.
2.1 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Objectives
Through this RFP the University is striving to implement a Geographic Information System that
will:
Survey map, statewide commercial, industrial, and private facilities (Factories, Power and
Processing Plants, Chemical Plants, Agricultural Factories, Chemical Caches and Storage
Facilities)
Discontinue reliance on outdated maps or old geographic information systems not
currently containing adequate information.
Provide layering capabilities (Chemical Information, Hazard Information, Threat Zones)
Replace the existing inadequate GIS containing outdated information.
Be accessible remotely for field assessors to update data in-situ.
Integrate with the Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Emergency
Management, and NOAAs Emergency Response Division.
Focus on best practices, policies, and standards.
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Maximize the return on technology investments.
2.2 Proposals
Proposals should be prepared in such a manner that they demonstrate the Proposers capabilities
to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. The proposal should be divided into the following
sections and address the identified requirements:
Qualifications
o Years in operation
o Description of proposers background
o Location of headquarters and field offices
o A description of organizations number if employees and client base
Experience
o Proposers should demonstrate minimal knowledge and experience in the
following technologies when considering existing systems integration (NOAA
and EPA):
Windows operating system 7
SQL (Search Query Language) server
ArcGIS
ArcMap10
ArcCatalog
ArcToolBox
GPS
o Proposers should include at least three client references that reflect work no less
than three years old which was completed in the state of Idaho.
Approach
o Proposer should demonstrate project management and approaches.
o Complete system analysis, testing, maintenance and training will be the proposers
responsibility.
Pricing
o Proposer to provide hourly rate of 12.00 per hour for researchers, and total estimate
to complete implementation
o Proposer to provide hardware, software, and license costs required for GIS
activation
o Proposer to provide annual maintenance, and support costs, and provide detail of
the support and maintenance program.