request_for_information.docx

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Corrections Procurement

Virtual Reality Googles Request for Information

This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to obtain information on virtual reality googles. This information gathered is intended to assist the State of Michigan to better understand (a) industry best practices, (b) effective operating models, and (c) pricing models.

Anticipated Timeline Issue Date

12/17/19

Anticipated Date State will Post Answers to Questions

1/3/20

The information in this document is subject to change. Check www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS for the current information.

Version 2 Revised: 11/2019

Version 2 Revised: 11/2019

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE STATE. The sole point of contact concerning this Request for Information (RFI) is:

Cathy Carr, Buyer CarrC@michigan.gov 517-241-2192

2. QUESTIONS. Questions concerning the RFI must be emailed to Carrc@michigan.gov no later than the time and date specified on the cover page of this document. Answers to questions will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS.

Questions should be submitted using the following format:

3. RESERVED.

4. DELIVERY OF RESPONSE. Please provide an informational response on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS no later than the date and time located on the cover page of this document. All documents should be created using tools that are compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite 97 standard desktop tools, without need for conversion. System prompts for pricing attachments and information can be disregarded.

Questions on how to submit information or how to navigate in the SIGMA system can be answered by calling (517) 284-0540 or (888) 734-9749.

5. ORAL PRESENTATION. The State reserves the right to invite some vendors for oral presentations.

6. GENERAL RESPONSE CONDITIONS. The State will not be liable for any costs incurred in preparation of vendor’s response, delivery of the response, and any follow-up discussions with the State. This RFI is not an offer to enter into a contract.

7. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. All portions of a response are subject to disclosure as required under the Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act, 1976 Public Act 422.

8. RIGHTS TO INFORMATION CONTAINED IN RESPONSES. All informational responses will be considered the property of the State.

Request For Information Virtual Reality Googles

The purpose for this Request for Information (RFI) includes, but is not limited to, collecting market information to better understand best practices about virtual reality googles. The information gathered may be used to assist the State in developing program strategy and possibly developing an RFP.

1. Program Overview The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) seeks to gain information on available Virtual Reality (VR) and Computer Generated (CG) programming that will provide training in the use of ATM’s, self-check-out Kiosks, smart phones, household appliances and various other life skills. The target population for this programming would be prisoners who were incarcerated at a very young age or have served lengthy sentences and prisoners with cognitive or learning disabilities.

2. Program Description There are two distinct variations of Virtual Reality. MDOC is requesting information for both options.

A. 360 VR consists of a set of goggles worn by the individual. Typically, the goggles require a device like a cell phone be installed with a scenario loaded and played like watching a video. While wearing the goggles, the individual can move his/her head in any direction providing the person with a 360-degree view of the surroundings within the scenario. This type of VR is referred to as taking a “virtual field trip”. It allows the person to view places and situations, but it is not interactive and is limited to what is predetermined in the scenario.

B. Referred to as Computer Generated Graphics (CG) is more advanced and includes a helmet and gloves tethered via a cord to a stand-alone computer. CG is interactive and allows the person to be immersed in the scenario and perform tasks. The movement of the gloves and headset provides feedback to the computer and the content of the scenario adjusts according to the actions of the individual. CG also allows for the operator of the computer to adjust the scenario and react to the individual that is participating. This is very beneficial for scenarios that include interacting with people.

Virtual Reality Googles

RESPONSE PREPARATION

Please respond to the following topics and questions in a “Question and Answer” format, providing thorough information for each, when possible.

1. Company full name and address.

2. Name, telephone number, and email address of the individual(s) who will serve as your company’s authorized contact.

3. Please identify who was involved in developing the response to this RFI?

4. Please provide an overview of your prior experience providing this type of project.

5. Provide contact information including names, telephone numbers and email addresses for your customer(s) for the work mentioned in #4 above.

6. Do you have experience in a correctional setting?

7. MDOC does not have wi-fi in some of the facilities. Is wi-fi needed for your program?

8. How is the programing delivered?

9. How is the programing updated?

10. How many scenarios do you have available?

11. Provide a brief overview of each scenario.

12. Are the scenarios interactive?

13. Do you offer credentials or certificates upon completion of scenarios?

14. Do you have any new scenarios in development?

15. Can the MDOC request custom scenarios be created?

16. If so, what the associated costs?

17. What equipment (IT, Hardware, Software) is required?

18. Can you provide the equipment?

19. Do you offer extended warranty on the equipment?

20. Do you provide service to the equipment?

21. How often is the hardware updated?

22. What data is collected?

23. What reports are available based on that data?

24. What other programming do you offer that may be beneficial to the MDOC?

25. What else should we know about your company?

26. Describe ‘best practice’ models your company currently uses and how such models are implemented at the facilities where they are used.

27. If a Request for Proposals is issued for provision of this service, is it likely that your company will bid on it?

a. If no, why not?

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