RFI questions for Commbuys - Answers to Vendor Questions.docx

RFI Touch-free Parking in Parks and Revenue# Bid BD-21-1020-DCRCU-DC250-56186 Answers Provided By: Contact: Max.J.Tassinari@mass.gov

1. Question: We are unsure what the pricing refers to in the first section and are having trouble placing a price tag on it. If it’s a pay station then there are variables, options and attributes that influence the price. Not enough information is known. If the ask is for a gated solution or one that controls entry and exit and captures occupancy, this is likewise too complex to price without additional information. Can we respond with “zero” in the quote lines if we don’t have enough information to provide pricing?

Answer: There is no requirement for price information, but some idea of equipment costs, installation, and maintenance would be expected if there were an equipment component to the proffered solutions.

1. Question: What department or departments in the DCR are responsible for overseeing parking systems and people to collect parking fees and enforcing parking regulations?

Answer: Operations is responsible for collecting and enforcing parking.

1. Question: Regarding Page 3 Section III. B. It is not clear if the DCR is looking for;

1. Automated Gate System that would control paid entry in an automated touch-free manner. Would DCR intend to use attendants at the gate and direct touchless payments or reservation confirmation?

1. If not attended, how would an automated system identify MA and non-MA plates in order to charge a different rate?

1. Pay and Display kiosk replacement with touch free payment methods and presumably the ability to remove the receipt to hangtag exchange process that requires personal interaction. Enforce in the field based on plate and plate state? Are you looking to continue the use of Pay Station kiosks but with contactless? Mobile Pay? Are you wanting to accept only credit cards at pay station or also cash/coin? Would you be interested in selling permits with the pay stations?

1. Both depending on specific park and its attributes.

1. Other?

Could DCR provide more context in terms of the parking and park pass scenarios that they are looking to support? It’s not clear if the parker needs to check in with park staff at every visit. Do they park first and visit office or interface with kiosk as enter the park? What sort of operational and technological improvements or changes has DCR in mind to improve the current system?

Answer: DCR is looking for solutions to all of the presented situations. There are several parking lots across our system that need a parking solution. In this RFI, we are looking for what solutions are out there and how they might be applicable.

1. Question: Regarding Page 3 Section III. B. 12. Support multiple languages. Does this refer to the onscreen instructions of a pay and display or pay by plate kiosk?

Multiple languages specifically refer to mobile applications but would be a plus for any kiosks suggested as part of the solution.

1. Question: Regarding Page 4, B. 12. Enforcement requirement. Is DCR looking to replace the current enforcement solution that they are presently using? Based on DCR website it appears that citations are issued and that they can be appealed and paid online.

1. Are citations issued with a handheld computer or manually?

1. # of handhelds in use?

1. What functions of the citation issuance and collection process does DCR do versus outsource? For example, Registered Owner lookups, printing and mailing of notification letters, delinquent citation collections process.

Answer: Enforcement is done by DCR Rangers using Passport handheld systems and software. These are not being replaced, and the proposed solution must be compatible to existing enforcement practices.

1. Question: Regarding Page 4, C. Revenue Application. Could DCR confirm that the Revenue Application is a financial system that would combine and aggregate various streams of revenue, including parking and park pass revenue outlined in B. That DCR is not looking for the parking system in B. to be that financial system per se, since that systems is likely to be designed for parking transactions and not general finance and accounting functionality.

Answer: Revenue application can be part of the parking solution or separate. If DCR does not get a satisfactory response that will fit both, it will pursue a revenue application elsewhere. The revenue application MUST be able to accept information from all listed sources and the commitment to work with or accept information transfers from any system procured to collect revenue in the future.