Request for Proposal (RFP) # 1302276-18
TPS is accepting proposals for the provision of Social Media Aggregator Software and related implementation services.
Submission Requirements
Note: TPS has moved to electronic proposal submission via MERX
The proponent must register with MERX as an E-bid Authorized Signer to attain a valid PIN from MERX in order to have the ability to formally complete and upload a proposal. Please ensure that the registration is completed 24 hours prior to uploading your proposal.
Please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To0fqSccw3M for information regarding how to upload your proposal through MERX. If you still have issues, please contact MERX directly at 1-800-964-MERX (6379).
Electronic proposal submissions will be accepted until 1:00:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st, 2019 as per the clock identified on MERX.
Your proposal submission for this opportunity must be sent to TPS through the use of the MERX portal. Proponents shall be solely responsible for the delivery of their submission using the MERX portal by the time and closing date, in accordance with the Submission Requirements outlined in the RFP.
TPS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals at its sole discretion.
Objectives
TPS’s primary objective with this initiative is to leverage current technology to automate online information gathering, storage and analytical requirements. By using a solution that will integrate with existing infrastructure, TPS will be more effective in harnessing online information to support operational requirements.
Solution Components
Software
The Proponent is expected to provide the TPS with all software and services (including associated documentation) necessary to provide a complete solution which will operate in TPS’ current technology environment.
Hardware
The Proponent is expected to include the Proponent’s recommendation of the optimal hardware configuration for the proposed solution, including detailed specification for the network, computer hardware, storage and backup requirement along with any other components as appropriate.
It is highly desirable for the proposed solution to be compatible with current TPS infrastructure as indicated in Section 4.1.
Proponents are advised that TPS will not acquire any standard hardware under a contract resulting from this RFP, but will purchase separately through established TPS agreements and vendors.
Service Access, Maintenance and Support
The Proponent is expected to provide additional pricing as provisional items for the following maintenance agreement options for software and software upgrade protection, as well as service agreements (e.g. web service access):
Maintenance and service access agreements will be paid on an annual basis regardless of term. Please note: TPS prefers billing for maintenance agreements to follow the calendar year of January 1 to December 31.
Implementation Services
The Proponent is expected to provide TPS with professional services and documentation for implementation and during the term of the agreement.
Proponents are expected to provide a project plan draft schedule to identify proposed phases and timeframes for the proposed solution. Proposal to include implementation strategy and services associated with plan.
The Successful Proponent in conjunction with TPS will develop a complete TPS schedule and implementation plan, to include the implementation strategy, as well as all plans, materials and documentation for support, training and implementation of solution
Training Services
The Successful Proponent is expected to provide training, a training plan and relevant material for various audiences within TPS. The Proponent must describe the training that will be delivered and the type of training if required for the following TPS Personnel:
- In-house IT infrastructure operations and support
- Trainers – Train the trainers
- End User – TPS members.
Security
The proponent must be able to demonstrate that they can provide a secure environment while utilizing their software solution, to protect the integrity of police investigations.
Mandatory Requirements
Online Information Gathering
- For data that is collected, must have automatically logged the URL, date, time and method of collection
- Must have capability to track all search profiles generated within the social media aggregator tool - including data such as when it was last accessed by a user.
- Must have auditing capability to track data associated with search profiles generated within the social media aggregator tool - including data such as creation date, creation user, date modified and profile content.
- Must have capability for more than two 'super users' to administer the auditing capabilities of the solution
- Must have the capability to collect data automatically once profile criteria is developed
- Must have a capability to query information collected from previous or existing profiles
- Must be capable or searching the "Clear Web" using at least five different open source search engines. - See Notes below
- Must have capability to search "Deep web " - See Notes below
- Must have an input mechanism for complex Boolean queries to be used for search parameters/profile creation
- Must have capability to create exclusions within specific accounts and profiles by: keywords and sources
- Must have capability to create and organize 'profiles' for each set of specific keywords and complex Boolean queries
- Must have security features that prevent all gathered data and actions from unauthorized access.
Analytics
- Must have analytical capabilities by using saved historical data from existing searches and gathering current data - then allow for analytical solutions that use location based data, and popular or trending information.
- Must have reporting capability - User set reporting schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly) pushed to designated email addresses.
- Must have export capabilities of user selected data in .CSV and .PDF formats
Support
- Must include at least 16 hours of training for approximately 15 TPS members in a live environment.
- Training costs included in pricing model
- Must be capable of supporting TPS on a 24/7 basis - accessible by either phone or email
Notes:
- Clear web refers to data that can be accessed online using common web browsers and without having to log into a web interface.
- Deep web refers to data that can be accessed online using common web browsers but it requires log in privileges
- Dark web refers to data that can only be accessed using specific graphical interfaces such as the Onion Router (TOR) Browser
Deliverable Phases
Phase 1 - March 19th, 2019 through August 31, 2019
- Initial deployment of social media aggregator tool.
- Training
- Baseline evaluation of the tool by users, capabilities will be tested and deficiencies noted.
- Roadmap for tool development in which deficiencies and additional requirements will be identified and prioritized.
- Discussions with vendor to solidify roadmap.
Phase 2 - September 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020
- Vendor development and implementation of features identified during phase 1.
- Continued evaluation and documentation of tool performance, deficiencies and requirements by users.
- Prioritization of additional development.
- Delivery and training schedule for additional requirements/deficiencies to be addressed by vendor.
Phase 3 - April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021
- Continued vendor development and implementation of features outstanding from phase 2.
- Re-evaluation of tool capabilities and reprioritization of outstanding requirements.
- Ongoing vendor support, software updates, and training
Non-Exclusivity
The creation of this RFP shall not be a guarantee of exclusivity.
Period of Performance
The initial period for performance of any contract resulting from this RFP is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about March 19th, 2019 and run until March 31, 2021.
Contract renewals or extensions, if any, shall be at the sole discretion of the TPS. If required, the TPS reserves the right to extend this contract on a month to month basis, or based on a selection of strategic activities that are determined to be best executed by the successful team.
Piggyback (if applicable)
The TPS may, upon request, permit other publicly funded organizations to purchase against any contract which may result from this RFP.
Proponents are requested to indicate on the Pricing Submission Form if they will extend the pricing, terms and conditions of this proposal to other government agencies, if the proponent is the successful vendor. If the successful vendor agrees to this provision, participating agencies may enter into a contract with the successful vendor for the purchase of the services described herein based on the terms, conditions, prices, and percentages offered by the successful vendor. Minor changes in terms and conditions may be negotiated by participating agencies.
Please note: copies of the proponent’s submission may need to be provided to the interested agency (in confidence) in order to review prior to participating.
All in accordance with the requirements stated in the RFP document to be downloaded.
