Title
Website Content Management System Conversion (NB)
Staff recommends awarding a contract to Ingen Systems Inc. to convert GRU's website (www.gru.com <http://www.gru.com>), including all content, application interfaces and interactive elements, to the DotNetNuke Enterprise Edition Content Management System (CMS).
Explanation
GRU internally hosts and maintains all of its website content. Utility management and staff have determined that migrating the website to a content management system would create operational efficiencies and free up critical resources in Information Technology and Marketing & Communications. With a CMS, staff would be able to create, edit, approve and publish content faster and with less effort than is currently possible.
The City of Gainesville website (www.cityofgainesville.org <http://www.cityofgainesville.org>) uses a CMS solution provided by the DotNetNuke Corporation. Given the recent consolidation of GRU's and General Government's IT departments and other shifts in technology, it is evident that converting GRU's website to a DotNetNuke solution would be in the best interest of the Utility and the City. Aligning GRU's website infrastructure with the City's would create additional efficiencies for IT staff and better support for all City departments involved. A unified infrastructure also would facilitate the development of future website capabilities.
Transforming GRU's custom-built site to the DotNetNuke Enterprise Edition CMS is a complex and time-consuming undertaking that requires specialized technical expertise. Given GRU's limited internal resources, the best way to accomplish this conversion is to outsource the work to an experienced vendor. A Request for Proposals was sent by Purchasing to 13 prospective vendors, with three firms responding. Two of the three responders did not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the RFP. Only one responder, Ingen Systems Inc., met the minimum qualifications. Ingen's proposal was evaluated using a predetermined, two-phase process: 1) a written evaluation, which looked at the firm's background, experience, approach, proposed cost, schedule, references and resources; and 2) a webinar presentation and interview, which looked more closely at the firm's proposed approach as well as its communication and project management skills.
Upon completion of the evaluation process, it was determined that Ingen Systems Inc. possesses the experience, skills and attributes needed to successfully convert GRU's website to the DotNetNuke Enterprise Edition CMS. Ingen demonstrates advanced competency with DotNetNuke installations, has prior work experience that matches the scale and complexity of the GRU website, exhibits a solid understanding of the scope of GRU's project, and offers sound solutions for meeting GRU's conversion, training and support needs.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a contract with Ingen Systems Inc. for services related to converting GRU's website to the DotNetNuke Enterprise Edition CMS, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the issuance of a purchase order to Ingen Systems Inc. for these services in total amount not to exceed $100,000, subject to the final appropriation of fiscal year funds.
Fiscal Note
This project is expected to have a one-time cost of approximately $100,000, including expenses related to vendor travel. Funds are available in the IT Department's FY 2012 and FY 2013 budgets.
Drafter
Prepared by Jennifer L. Hunt, Chief Financial Officer
Submitted by Robert E. Hunzinger, General Manager