RFP 6909 Z1 BRANDT, File 3 of 3 - REDACTED Technical.pdf

State of Nebraska, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

STATE PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM

RFP 6909 Z1

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

PREPARED FOR: State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services, Material Division, State Purchasing Bureau Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

RFP NAME: State Park Reservation System

RFP #: RFP 6909 Z1

DUE DATE: September 24, 2024

VENDOR NAME: Brandt Information Services, LLC

NEBRASKA GAME & PARKS COMMISSION (NGPC)

STATE PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM – RFP 6909 Z1

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – TABLE OF CONTENTS

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMITMENT LETTER

FORM A – BIDDER PROPOSAL POINT OF CONTACT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES FORM

LIST OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

1. Corporate Overview

a. Bidder Identification and Information

b. Financial Statements

c. Change of Ownership

d. Office Location

e. Relationships with the State

f. Bidder’s Employee Relations to State

g. Contract Performance

h. Summary of Bidder’s Corporate Experience

i. Summary of Bidder’s Proposed Personnel/Management Approach

j. Subcontractors

2. Technical Approach

a. Understanding of the Project Requirements

b. Proposed Development Approach

c. Functional Considerations (RFP Section VI) Brandt’s Proposed Central Reservation System (CRS) Solution Attachment 6 – Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)

d. Detailed Project Work Plan

e. Deliverables and Due Dates

APPENDIX 1: Brandt Audited Financial Statements APPENDIX 2: Security & Compliance Documentation APPENDIX 3: Draft Design Plan APPENDIX 4: Draft Security Plan APPENDIX 5: Draft Schedule of Work/Project Schedule APPENDIX 6: Draft Training Plan APPENDIX 7: Draft Transition Plan APPENDIX 8: RFP Sections II - IV

II. Terms & Conditions III. Contractor Duties IV. Payment

APPENDIX 9: Issue Severity Class Descriptions

501 North Duval Street Tallahassee, FL 32301

(850) 577-4900

WWW.BRANDTINFO.COM

September 24, 2024

Ms. Connie Heinrichs Procurement Officer State Purchasing Bureau 1526 K Street, Suite 130 Lincoln, NE 68508

RE: State of Nebraska – State Park Reservation System

RFP 6909 Z1

Dear Ms. Heinrichs, Brandt Information Services is pleased to submit our response to the State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services, Material Division, State Purchasing Bureau’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new State Park Reservation System for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). For your consideration, we present the following proposal for a new Centralized Reservation Solution (CRS) and related professional services to support the Nebraska State Park System.

Brandt shares your vision for a new customer-centric, data-driven and cost-effective system that will ensure that NGPC’s goals and requirements are fully met and that NGPC can effectively deliver a modern and user-friendly product to your customers while improving efficiencies within the agency.

We believe that our solution, powered by our people and our experience will provide NGPC with the best value replacement solution for the State.

In our response, we detail the features, functionality, and benefits of our simple, integrated system, designed to meet NGPC’s objectives – including industry-leading capabilities, like R3 initiatives, interactive mapping, and industry first and industry leading Dynamic Pricing. Our system does not just meet the basic requirements, it exceeds them.

The proposed solution leverages Brandt’s successful implementation at neighboring state parks agencies where our technology and innovative business-partnership approach have generated millions of dollars of new revenue for these states.

This approach will allow us to fully implement a seamless transition and all aspects of the replacement system by the anticipated December 2025/January 2026 go-live. Our partners will attest to our passionate dedication to a genuine, collaborative business partnership, evidenced by our close relationships with both state parks staff and administration, and regular visits to state parks, regional and central offices. Expanding our partnership with NGPC is something we are incredibly excited about and are proud to earn through this process.

Brandt’s Central Reservation System meets the critical demands of your customers today and will provide an innovative platform to continually enhance customer experiences, and build loyalty, occupancy, and revenue over time.

WWW.BRANDTINFO.COM

Our solution is seamless and easy to use for both customers and parks staff. We make it easy to find a campsite or outdoor program, to reserve a spot, and to easily pay the required fees. With Brandt, a new reservation can be completed in under three minutes in as few as 5 easy steps.

Integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM), data analytics and visualization tools, and built-in marketing capabilities will allow NGPC to create dynamic marketing campaigns and promotions, all while gaining insight into what marketing activities work, and those that do not.

The Brandt Marketing Team stands ready to advise and help implement strategic marketing campaigns in partnership with NGPC. This will aid NGPC in the retention of resident customers and attract guests from outside the state as well.

These same on-demand digital reporting capabilities will allow NGPC to make data-driven decisions for resource and capacity management planning, allowing the agency to focus scarce funding and resources to parks with the greatest needs, and the greatest opportunity.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has a unique opportunity to design and implement a customized and proven solution that is flexible, powerful, and built with the future in mind. Working with Brandt, you have an industry-leading partner to ensure both business and mission critical services are functioning and meeting the demands of all users.

The solution will empower the agency and its customers through innovation, modern technology, and strategic marketing efforts to expand its product and service offerings, to better engage and retain its customers, to integrate key business systems, and to improve operational efficiency. Ultimately, the above translates into decreased costs and increased revenue.

Brandt is proud of its true partnership approach with state agency clients. Our mission is to not only implement a modern solution but expand its reach and serve NGPC and its visitors beyond expectations. It is a part of our culture that our partners must be successful before we can; your success is our success.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. In addition to providing outdoor recreational licensing and permitting services and support, we look forward to expanding our services to support Nebraska’s state parks.

Thank you for your consideration of our proposal. Brandt stands ready to serve the great state parks of Nebraska.

Sincerely, Travis Warren

CEO

Brandt Information Services, LLC

(850) 577-4900

RFP Boilerplate | 03292023

Form A Bidder Proposal Point of Contact Request for Proposal Number 6909 Z1

Form A should be completed and submitted with each response to this Request for Proposal. This is intended to provide the State with information on the bidder’s name and address, and the specific person(s) who are responsible for preparation of the bidder’s response.

Preparation of Response Contact Information Bidder Name: Brandt Information Services, LLC

Bidder Address:

501 N. Duval Street Tallahassee, FL 32301

Contact Person & Title: Matthew Mitchell – Chief Revenue Officer

E-mail Address: proposals@brandtinfo.com

Telephone Number (Office): 850-577-4900

Telephone Number (Cellular): 850-524-2424

Fax Number: 850-681-3592

Each bidder should also designate a specific contact person who will be responsible for responding to the State if any clarifications of the bidder’s response should become necessary. This will also be the person who the State contacts to set up a presentation/demonstration, if required.

Communication with the State Contact Information Bidder Name: Brandt Information Services, LLC

Bidder Address:

501 N. Duval Street Tallahassee, FL 32301

Contact Person & Title: Matthew Mitchell – Chief Revenue Officer

E-mail Address: proposals@brandtinfo.com

Telephone Number (Office): 850-577-4900

Telephone Number (Cellular): 850-524-2424

Fax Number: 850-681-3592 mailto:proposals@brandtinfo.com mailto:proposals@brandtinfo.com

LIST OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

List of Proprietary Information Brandt would like to request the following information be redacted from public record from our Technical Response. We have provided a separate file named “RFP 6909 Z1 BRANDT, File 3 of 3 - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION” with this information redacted as per Neb. Rev. Stat. §84-712.05.

Brandt considers this information confidential and proprietary and would be advantageous to our business competitors if disclosed/released.

Please see below for a list of the specific information Brandt considers confidential/proprietary and the reason for exclusion.

Section # / Page #s

Section/Document Explanation for Claim of Proprietary/Confidential Information

Appendix 1 Brandt Audited Financial Statements

A claim of confidentiality is asserted as to Brandt’s response for RFP’s requirement for 1. Corporate Overview, b. Financial Statements, regarding our corporate financial stability.

The information contained herein contains confidential information applicable only to Brandt and further includes information considered proprietary.

Appendix 2

Pages 325-337 Brandt Attestation of Compliance (AoC)

A claim of confidentiality is asserted as to Brandt’s response for RFP’s requirement FUN-136, Section IV – Payments and Credit Card Processing, regarding our Attestation of Compliance (AoC).

The information contained herein contains confidential information applicable only to Brandt and further includes information considered proprietary.

Appendix 4 Draft Security Plan

A claim of confidentiality is asserted as to Brandt’s response for RFP’s requirement FUN-165, Section VI – Information Security, regarding our proposed Draft Security Plan.

The information contained herein contains confidential information applicable only to Brandt and further includes information considered proprietary.

Pages 286-283

Pages 414-421

PREPARED FOR: State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services, Material Division, State Purchasing Bureau Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

RFP NAME: State Park Reservation System

RFP #: RFP 6909 Z1

DUE DATE: September 24, 2024

1. CORPORATE OVERVIEW

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

Corporate Overview

a. Bidder Identification and Information

The bidder should provide the full company or corporate name, address of the company's headquarters, entity organization (corporation, partnership, proprietorship), state in which the bidder is incorporated or otherwise organized to do business, year in which the bidder first organized to do business and whether the name and form of organization has changed since first organized.

Bidder Name: Brandt Information Services, LLC

Address: 501 North Duval Street Tallahassee, FL 32301

Entity Organization: Limited Liability Company (LLC)

State Incorporated: Florida

Date Incorporated: 1985

Name Change: In March of 2018, Brandt reorganized its corporate structure and converted from a Florida corporation to a Florida Limited Liability Company. Therefore, the organization changed its name from Brandt Information Services, Inc. to Brandt Information Services, LLC.

b. Financial Statements

The bidder should provide financial statements applicable to the firm. If publicly held, the bidder should provide a copy of the corporation's most recent audited financial reports and statements, and the name, address, and telephone number of the fiscally responsible representative of the bidder’s financial or banking organization.

If the bidder is not a publicly held corporation, either the reports and statements required of a publicly held corporation, or a description of the organization, including size, longevity, client base, areas of specialization and expertise, and any other pertinent information, should be submitted in so proposal evaluators may reasonably formulate a determination about the stability and financial strength of the organization. Additionally, a non-publicly held firm should provide a banking reference.

The bidder must disclose all judgments, pending or expected litigation, or other real or potential financial reversals, which might materially affect the viability or stability of the organization, or state that no such condition is known to exist.

The State may elect to use a third party to conduct credit checks as part of the corporate overview evaluation.

Brandt is a privately held company and has been operating since 1985. Our D&B DUNS number is: 17-507-2271.

Brandt is a financially stable and fiscally responsible organization and employs an in-house professional accounting team consisting of Certified Public Accountants to support accounting operations.

To confirm our financial stability and strength, please see Appendix 1: Brandt Audited Financial Statements.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

Judgements, Litigations, & Financial Disputes

Brandt has no pending litigation or any other real or potential financial reversals, and the Company has not been in any lawsuits with any clients, suppliers, or employee personnel since the Company’s purchase in 2007, except for one personnel matter in 2022, wherein the employee first pursued their claims through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the "EEOC"), which resulted in a Notice of Dismissal following the EEOC's inability to find reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred. The employee then sought relief under state law, but the case was settled for a small amount to cover plaintiff's counsel expenses through discovery phase and plaintiff voluntarily dismissed. There are no outstanding obligations under this matter.

c. Change of Ownership

If any change in ownership or control of the company is anticipated during the twelve (12) months following the proposal due date, the bidder should describe the circumstances of such change and indicate when the change will likely occur. Any change of ownership to an awarded bidder(s) will require notification to the State.

Brandt Information Services, LLC does not anticipate nor intend to change its ownership or control of the company over the next twelve (12) months following the proposal due date. Brandt understands that if a change of ownership were to occur, notification to the State is required.

d. Office Location

The bidder’s office location responsible for performance pursuant to an award of a contract with the State of Nebraska should be identified.

Our Brandt team is 300+ employees strong – based across North America and organized by expertise and platform.

Many Brandt team members work remotely, or from one of three US office locations:

Florida (HQ) 501 North Duval St.

Tallahassee, FL

Maryland 20 Wight Avenue Hunt Valley, MD

Arizona 727 E Maryland Phoenix, AZ

Brandt's Tallahassee, Florida Headquarters and Phoenix, Arizona office will be responsible for performing the services requested in this RFP, with participation from additional locations as needed.

e. Relationships with the State

The bidder should describe any dealings with the State over the previous three (3) years. If the organization, its predecessor, or any Party named in the bidder’s proposal response has contracted with the State, the bidder should identify the contract number(s) and/or any other information available to identify such contract(s). If no such contracts exist, so declare.

Brandt Information Services, LLC is currently contracted with the State of Nebraska for Nebraska’s Game and Parks Commission’s Statewide Web-Based Permit/Licensing System.

Contract Number: 97474 O4

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

f. Bidder’s Employee Relations to State

If any Party named in the bidder’s proposal response is or was an employee of the State within the past twelve (12) months, identify the individual(s) by name, State agency with whom employed, job title or position held with the State, and separation date. If no such relationship exists or has existed, so declare.

If any employee of any agency of the State of Nebraska is employed by the bidder or is a subcontractor to the bidder, as of the due date for proposal submission, identify all such persons by name, position held with the bidder, and position held with the State (including job title and agency). Describe the responsibilities of such persons within the proposing organization. If, after review of this information by the State, it is determined that a conflict of interest exists or may exist, the bidder may be disqualified from further consideration in this proposal. If no such relationship exists, so declare.

Brandt does not have any employees currently on staff that have been previously employed by or served as a subcontractor to the State of Nebraska.

g. Contract Performance

If the bidder or any proposed subcontractor has had a contract terminated for default during the past five (5) years, all such instances must be described as required below. Termination for default is defined as a notice to stop performance delivery due to the bidder’s non-performance or poor performance, and the issue was either not litigated due to inaction on the part of the bidder or litigated and such litigation determined the bidder to be in default.

It is mandatory that the bidder submit full details of all termination for default experienced during the past five (5) years, including the other Party's name, address, and telephone number. The response to this section must present the bidder’s position on the matter. The State will evaluate the facts and will score the bidder’s proposal accordingly. If no such termination for default has been experienced by the bidder in the past five (5) years, so declare.

If at any time during the past five (5) years, the bidder has had a contract terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason, describe fully all circumstances surrounding such termination, including the name and address of the other contracting Party.

Brandt has never been dismissed or had any contracts terminated because of unsatisfactory performance/default.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

h. Summary of Bidder’s Corporate Experience

The bidder should provide a summary matrix listing the bidder’s previous projects similar to this Request for Proposal in size, scope, and complexity including at least one other State. The State will use no more than three (3) narrative project descriptions submitted by the bidder during its evaluation of the proposal.

The bidder should address the following:

i. Provide narrative descriptions to highlight the similarities between the bidder’s experience and this Request for Proposal. These descriptions should include:

a) The time period of the project,

b) The scheduled and actual completion dates,

c) The bidder’s responsibilities,

d) For reference purposes, a customer name (including the name of a contact person, a current telephone number, a facsimile number, and e-mail address); and

e) Each project description should identify whether the work was performed as the prime Contractor or as a subcontractor. If a bidder performed as the prime Contractor, the description should provide the originally scheduled completion date and budget, as well as the actual (or currently planned) completion date and actual (or currently planned) budget.

ii. Bidder and Subcontractor(s) experience should be listed separately. Narrative descriptions submitted for Subcontractors should be specifically identified as subcontractor projects.

iii. If the work was performed as a subcontractor, the narrative description should identify the same information as requested for the bidders above. In addition, subcontractors should identify what share of contract costs, project responsibilities, and time period were performed as a subcontractor.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) has a unique opportunity to design and implement a proven Central Reservation System solution that is flexible, powerful, and designed with the future in mind. Working with Brandt, you have an industry-leading partner to ensure both business and mission critical services are functioning and meeting the demands of the system’s users.

To accomplish these goals, the NGPC must partner with a vendor that understands the parks and outdoors recreational industry business rules, processes, and challenges. Having successfully implemented 28 large-scale solutions for our current natural resource Department customers, we bring the expertise, resources, and experience required for a successful implementation on day one. NGPC will not need to be concerned about a learning curve pertaining to park operations, camping, and outdoor recreation customers, initiatives, and objectives.

In 2011, Brandt entered the outdoor recreational technology industry. Since then, Brandt has been a driving factor in the implementation of solutions that grow with our agencies. Brandt’s experience in the outdoor recreational sector is unparalleled. Our solutions are the first of their kind to offer customers innovative benefits and services such as auto-renew and activity packages for one-click purchasing.

Brandt has over a decade of natural resource agency experience in designing and operating similar State Parks Central Reservation Systems to the NGPC system for our outdoor partners, including:

• South Carolina State Parks

• Alabama State Parks

• Tennessee State Parks

• Arkansas State Parks

• Mississippi State Parks

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources - WRD

• Louisiana State Parks

• Georgia Power

• South Dakota Game Fish & Parks

(Combined Parks & Wildlife Licensing Solution)

• Plus 18 County / Municipal CRS customers

STATE PARKS CENTRAL RESERVATION SYSTEM EXPERIENCE

SOLUTION/FEATURE

South

Carolina State Parks

Alabama State Parks

Tennessee State Parks

Arkansas State Parks

Mississippi State Parks

Louisiana State Parks

South Dakota GFP

Georgia

DNR

Georgia Power

Central Reservations Mobile Responsive Design

Point of Sale (POS) Reservations Call Center/Help Desk

Dynamic Rate & Revenue Management Reporting Library Hardware Procurement Gift Cards / Certificates Retail Inventory Management Merchandise Fulfilled by Brandt (eStore) Customer Support & Relations (CRM)

Marketing & Outreach Marina Management Programs & Events Permits & Parking

Project Experience Narratives Please see find a list of our current state agency parks clients that we designed, implemented and maintained similar centralized reservation systems on the following pages:

Tennessee State Parks Reservation System Brandt’s Itinio solution was selected in 2012 to provide all reservations, registration, gift card and point-of-sale systems throughout the now 57-park system. This scope includes oversight and support of subcontractors; GolfNow (9 Courses); Megasys Hospitality Systems (4 Resort Park Lodges), and; NCR Aloha/Insight (7 Restaurants). TSP renewed our contract in 2018.

Similar to rate management tools implemented for SCPRT, TSP has recently completed a multi-year process of shifting to demand-based, daily rates, from a common flat-fee structure. This effort spanned a wide range of technical development, marketing, accounting modifications, as well as statewide field-staff re-training.

Together, the TSP/Itinio team was responsible for the planning, execution, and agency communication of this project.

Our role continues revenue management support to expand the scope of dynamic rates for TSP.

Project Time Period: 2012 – Currently Maintaining Solution Scheduled Completion Date: Go-Live delivered in phases. Delivered On-Schedule

Actual Completion Date: Actual Go-Live: March 2013

Similar Services Provided:

o Central Reservation System for 60+ parks (camping, cabins, shelters & lodge rooms) o Dedicated Reservations Call Center serving all campgrounds and lodges o Marina Moorage Contract Management o Restaurant POS Management (integration with NCR Aloha/Insight) o Fee-Based Program Registration o Golf Tee Sheet & Point-of-Sale (nine courses / pro shop & snack bar) o Retail Point-of-Sale (Itinio QuickSale) o Retail Inventory Management o Online Tour, Permit and Pass Sales o Gift Card Administration (Valutec) o Megasys (Portfolio HMS) Contract Management with Itinio Accounting Integration o CRM Email Marketing with Event Calendar Registration Integration & Surveys o Extensive, Customized Reporting Library o Unified Accounting Data integration with POS/revenue systems

Brandt Involvement: Prime Contractor

Reference Name: Morgan Gilman – Director of Marketing, Revenue & Guest Experience

Phone: 615-253-7307 Email: Morgan.Gilman@tn.gov mailto:Morgan.Gilman@tn.gov

South Carolina State Parks Reservation System

Brandt’s Itinio solution was retained in January 2018 to convert SCPRT from their previous reservations system provider (Reserve America), to Itinio Reservations – along with specific process improvements in the areas Accounting, Operations and Marketing.

The Itinio team provides SCPRT with a dedicated Project Manager and shared Coordinators as well as department-specific support for Accounting and ongoing Marketing efforts. Our engineering group works directly with the SCPRT Revenue Managers to continually adapt their unique rate-management tools to meet growing revenue management strategies.

Project Time Period: 2018 – Currently Maintaining Solution Scheduled Completion Date: Go-Live delivered in phases. Delivered On-Schedule

Actual Completion Date: Actual Go-Live: August 1, 2018

Similar Services Provided:

o Central Reservation System for 48 parks (camping, cabins, facilities, lodge and parking) o Dynamic Rate & Revenue/Yield Management o Retail Point-of-Sale integrated with Retail Pro for advanced inventory control o Shopify eCommerce integration with Retail Pro and Itinio accounting reporting o Program & Event Registration with integration to existing website Content Management o Marina Moorage Contract Management o Park Entry Point-of-Sale with Guest Check-In o Gift Card Administration (Valutec) o CRM Email Marketing & Surveys

Brandt Involvement: Prime Contractor

Reference Name: Sarah Pardue – Chief of Budget & Revenue

Phone: 803-767-0434 Email: spardue@scprt.com mailto:spardue@scprt.com

Alabama State Parks Reservation System

Brandt’s Itinio solution was retained in December 2022 to convert ADCNR from their previous reservations system provider (Tyler Technologies, USeDirect/Recreation Dynamics), to Itinio Reservations – along with numerous process improvements in Payment Processing, multi-system integration, Accounting, and park operations.

Alabama Department of Conservations & Natural Resources (ADCNR) launched its Reservations system in 2023. ADCNR includes 21 state parks with camping, cabins, facilities, lodges, golf, marinas, restaurants, and retail operations.

The Brandt team was tasked with the conversion from multiple reservations and point-of-sale systems into fresh new systems providing the agency with improvements in payment processing, multi-system integration, accounting, and park operations.

The Itinio retail point-of-sale provide parks with integrated guest check-in capabilities and efficient inventory control features. Plus, new point-of-sale payment terminals include convenient ApplePay and GooglePay features to streamline in-person sales.

The Itinio team provides ADCNR with an experienced Project Team and Revenue Manager/Analyst for advanced rate management.

Project Time Period: 2023 – Currently Maintaining Solution Scheduled Completion Date: Go-Live delivered in phases. Delivered On-Schedule

Actual Completion Date: Actual Go-Live: August 1, 2024

Similar Services Provided:

o Central Reservation System for 21 parks (camping, cabins, facilities, lodge and golf) o POS Payment Terminals with Apple/Google Pay o Integrated Accrual Accounting across all systems (lodge, golf, F&B & campgrounds) o Dynamic Rate & Revenue/Yield Management o Retail Point-of-Sale with inventory control o Program & Event Registration with integration to existing website Content Management o Marina Moorage Contract Management o Park Entry Point-of-Sale with Guest Check-In o Gift Card Administration (Valutec) o CRM Email Marketing & Surveys

Brandt Involvement: Prime Contractor.

Reference Name: Matthew Capps – Deputy Director, Alabama State Parks Division

Phone: 334-242-3337 Email: Matthew.Capps@dcnr.alabama.gov mailto:Matthew.Capps@dcnr.alabama.gov

Brandt Background & Capabilities Brandt Information Services, LLC is an information-technology solutions provider, professionally aligned with state conservation, parks and natural-resources agencies. The company is focused on implementing and supporting large-scale, turn-key systems for managing Outdoor Recreation business activities and related services.

Brandt is a provider of Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) recreational licensing and reservation solutions for local, state and federal government agencies to administer the issuance of wildlife licensing, vessel/vehicle registrations, and campground/park reservations. At Brandt, we take pride in transforming the outdoors experience by delivering cutting-edge technology platforms that prioritize a seamless consumer experience and serve as a pivotal revenue-generating tool for state agencies.

TRANSFORMING THE OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Providing simple, modern and secure technology solutions to conservation agencies and their users

Brandt’s solutions simplify workflows for licenses, reservations, and registrations that increase reach and accessibility for recreational agencies, park staff/rangers, and the public to have full control over their outdoor activities.

BRANDT OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL SOLUTIONS

Solutions to support public and private organizations with wildlife conservation and recreational management operations.

Parks & Campsites

Reservations

Boats & Off-Road Vehicle

Registrations

Hunt & Fish Licensing

Merchandising

SUPPORT SERVICES

Brandt is your all-in-one partner for outdoor recreational management needs.

This includes a variety of in-house services to support your platform and consumers.

Project Management

Marketing Support

Fulfillment

Contact Center

Equipment Support

The proposed solution leverages Brandt’s successful implementation at partnered state parks agencies where our technology and our innovative business-partnership approach have generated millions of dollars of new revenue for the states.

This approach will allow us to fully implement a seamless transition and all aspects of the replacement system for Nebraska’s NGPC.

The Brandt Advantage

Our experienced team has a proven track record of successfully implementing recreational solutions and will work with the NGPC to design and implement the ideal solution for the Department, while learning about NGPC’s specific needs and requirements. With Brandt, we not only implement benefits for business-critical functions, but design solutions specific to State Parks’ “wish lists” and “nice to have” benefits that go beyond the basics.

With Brandt, you are choosing a partner with a proven modern technology built upon reliability and stability from a reputable company with more than 39 years of excellence. We have successfully implemented Brandt Outdoor Recreational Solutions in 25 top tier partnerships since 2011, with four additional partner systems launching in 2024 and 2025.

Our reputation for on-time service delivery is industry leading. Each of our solutions have been implemented on time or ahead of schedule. We have the resources, capabilities, and technologies to meet time-sensitive schedules. Brandt understands that additional unknown risks may be introduced during the implementation phase, and we are prepared to respond and adapt to these items without affecting the project schedule.

We take pride in our partnership approach with customers. We collaborate with our partners to identify innovative, mutually beneficial approaches.

Brandt is continuously implementing outdoor recreation “industry-firsts” in recreational licensing, wildlife management, and parks reservations. We have implemented several nationally recognized programs, including License/Permit Auto Renew, Marketing Campaigns, and Activity Packages. We support Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) efforts to promote outdoor participation and grow the solution as our customer organizations evolve.

Brandt offers the flexibility and creativity to overcome organization and industry obstacles proactively, creating positive change across all business operations and services. Our ability to adapt to change ensures NGPC’s solution is always ready for what’s next.

BEST INNOVATION IN THE INDUSTRY

Configurable SaaS Cloud Based Solutions Mobile-First E-Commerce

Proprietary Marketing Automation Program Client Portal & Real-Time Analytics Dashboards

Digital, Hard Card & Paper License Support Leader in Dynamic, Demand-Based Pricing

TRUSTED STATE PARTNER

Brandt is proud of its true partnership approach with our state agency clients. Our mission is to not only implement a modern solution, but expand its reach and serve NGPC and its visitors beyond expectations.

It is a part of our culture that our state partners must be successful before we can be; your success is our success.

Selecting Brandt to build upon the years of state experience, success and technology contributions is the ideal choice to ensure continued success to promote outdoor recreation and to meet the NGPC’s recreational needs for residents and visitors to the State of Nebraska.

Brandt is proud of its experience, providing similar solutions, equipment, and services to state wildlife and parks agencies. Brandt has retained our customers at an industry leading rate, we have partnered with 28 agencies, 11 of which have chosen to continue working with Brandt as their recreational partners by exercising their renewal and extension options.

We are proud of our continued relationship with our customers and the commitment we’ve demonstrated to be a continued partner to our customers throughout the term of our contracts and beyond.

COMMITMENT TO THE STATE PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES INDUSTRY AND A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

With Brandt, you are choosing a partner in conservation that is committed to serving the fish and wildlife industry.

28 Agencies Currently Partnered with

Brandt Best Technologies &

Security Tools Nationally Recognized for

R3 Efforts

All Systems Delivered by “Go Live” 39+ Years of Business & Growth

Years in Business

State Partners

15K Agency Administrators

15M Unique Consumers

100% Client Retention Rate

Office Locations

300+ Employees

60+ Call Center Agents

70+ In-House Tech

Engineers

20+ Outdoors Conferences

Attended Annually

Years Best & Brightest

Award Winner

Years GovTech 100

Award Winner

BRANDT BY THE NUMBERS

BRANDT STATE AGENCY PARTNERS / CUSTOMER BASE

Alabama State Parks

Arkansas State Parks

Bahamas

Florida FWC

Georgia WRD

Georgia Power

Idaho IDFG

Idaho State Parks

Indiana DNR

Iowa DNR

Kansas KDWPT

Louisiana State Parks

Maryland DNR

Massachusetts DFG

Mississippi State Parks

Nebraska GFP

North Carolina WRC

Oklahoma ODWC

Oregon DFW

South Carolina DNR

South Carolina PRT

South Dakota GFP

Tennessee TWRA

Tennessee State Parks

Virginia DWR

US Virgin Islands

Washington DFW

West Virginia DNR

COMPANY HISTORY

Years in Business: 39 Years

Brandt's history of excellence spans more than three decades, offering our customers a special combination of industry relevant experience, as well as experience developing and maintaining similar large-scale, transaction-based systems in retail and other governmental environments.

“GO OUTDOORS” BRAND IS BORN

In 2011, with the award of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission contract for electronic licensing, Brandt entered the outdoor recreational technology industry. Since then, Brandt has been a driving factor in the implementation of solutions that grow with our agencies. Brandt’s experience in the outdoor recreational sector is unparalleled. Our solutions are the first of their kind to offer customers innovative benefits and services such as auto-renew and activity packages for one-click purchasing.

Brandt Product Trail Map

ITINIO RESERVATIONS ACQUISITION

In late 2023 Brandt acquired Itinio, a highly reputable leader in the outdoor recreational technology industry, with Central Reservations Systems deployed or deploying in the states of South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi with more than 20 county and municipal parks operations as well.

With this strategic acquisition, Brandt will leverage the collective strengths to offer the industry’s best outdoor recreation technology platform and further deliver continuous innovation with superior technology.

Brandt looks forward to supporting more state and local agency customers with easy-to-use, reliable, web-based automated experiences for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere across reservations, licensing, registrations, and more.

i. Summary Of Bidder’s Proposed Personnel/Management Approach

The bidder should present a detailed description of its proposed approach to the management of the project.

The bidder should identify the specific professionals who will work on the State’s project if their company is awarded the contract resulting from this Request for Proposal. The names and titles of the team proposed for assignment to the State project should be identified in full, with a description of the team leadership, interface and support functions, and reporting relationships. The primary work assigned to each person should also be identified.

The bidder should provide resumes for all personnel proposed by the bidder to work on the project. The State will consider the resumes as a key indicator of the bidder’s understanding of the skill mixes required to carry out the requirements of the Request for Proposal in addition to assessing the experience of specific individuals.

Resumes should not be longer than three (3) pages. Resumes should include, at a minimum, academic background and degrees, professional certifications, understanding of the process, and at least three (3) references (name, address, and telephone number) who can attest to the competence and skill level of the individual. Any changes in proposed personnel may be implemented after written approval from the State.

Proposed Personnel/Management Approach

As with all our technology implementations, Brandt will provide all work management for the tasks under this Contract, including the day-to-day management of its staff. We are responsible for the success of this project and therefore we will not only assign the proper resources to the project, but will also ensure the work is completed to the level of quality required per the project schedule.

Based on the combined inputs of our intimate experience with state outdoor recreation agencies, the RFP requirements, and our understanding of NGPC's goals, Brandt has identified the project resources needed throughout the project.

Brandt's team is readily available to commit to the implementation of the system. Our Project Resources will be monitored and updated in conjunction with the monitoring and maintenance of the Project Scope and Schedule.

Brandt proposes the following staff / resource policies and procedures:

• Active monitoring of project milestones and deliverables to determine adjustments to resources. Additional resources will be available and assigned to a deliverable to prevent delays if any potential delays are identified.

• Upon contract award, assign an Account Director (in addition to assigned Project Manager) to focus on long-term relationship support and partnership.

• Upon transition to the maintenance phase of the project, dedicated staff time may be reduced based on resource needs.

Nebraska State Parks Reservation System – Proposed Project Team

Brandt proposes a robust, expert implementation team to support the design and implementation of our proposed solution. The project team will be staffed with experts that have direct experience working on similar reservation and outdoor recreation solutions, bringing NGPC unparalleled knowledge and industry leading approaches to overcoming outdated processes and reversing diminishing outdoor participation figures.

Brandt will serve as the prime contractor to perform the services outlined in this RFP and brings an experienced Project Management Team to support NGPC with the implementation, development and growth of the Nebraska State Parks Reservation System.

1. CORPORATE OVERVIEW

Brandt’s expert team will support the design, development, implementation, and operations of the new NGPC State Park Reservation System. The core team will consist of project team members that NGPC staff will continue to work with as part of the post-implementation ongoing maintenance phase of the project, in addition to supplemental resources required to support implementation activities.

Our team is dedicated to working closely with stakeholders at every level, continuing throughout the service period. We visit all of the parks we serve to field-test processes and for the opportunity of meeting and listening to park staff and customers directly.

Brandt’s Proposed Staffing Plan – Roles & Responsibilities

Brandt’s proposed Nebraska State Park Reservation System team has significant experience in successfully implementing and managing parks reservations solutions of similar scope and scale to the system described in the RFP.

The following table provides a highlight of the proposed expert team to be assigned to the project team for both the initial implementation as well as ongoing maintenance support.

Brandt’s proposed key team members/personnel providing leadership to the greater project teams will include:

Team Member Name / Role Responsibilities

Bryan Hetrick, PMP Project Manager

• Main point of contact for the project discovery, development and implementation

• Provides regular updates on the status of projects and tasks

• Meets with team regularly to review issues and monitor progress and milestones

• Monitors contract compliance

• Reviews deliverables for accuracy and completeness

• Conducts risk management analysis

• Helps coordinate documentation, testing, and training

Rob Remes, PMP Account Director

• Relationship oversight tasked with NGPC goal achievement

• Focus on successful onboarding, training, relationship health

Hannah Smith Senior Parks Implementation Consultant

• Provides Itinio platform expertise gained from multiple implementations

• Provides retail inventory configuration and conversion assistance

• Manages initial POS Station setup and ongoing retail sales support

• Subject matter expert for casher and reservations training

• Coordinates QuickSale POS technical details with implementation team

Lorie Gann, PMP Inventory Manager / Training Supervisor

• Responsible for reservable inventory setup and review

• Development of client-specific training materials and programs

• Leads in-person and remote training and testing sessions

• Supervises reservations Help Desk support

In addition to the above dedicated key team members proposed for the proposed Nebraska State Parks Reservation System solution, Brandt will also support the project with additional staffing resources as needed. These roles may include:

Product/Implementation Manager

• Responsible for contributing to overall project objectives and specific team deliverables

• Manages specific project plan activities

• Helps coordinate documentation, testing, and training

• Responsible for managing each development sprint

Database Architect / Database Engineer

• Designs the data conversion process between the legacy and Brandt Itinio systems

• Responsible for data testing and conversion integrity

• Performs multiple test conversions for accuracy and timing

• Works closely with the Project Managers and configuration team to ensure inventory accuracy across the system

• Primary Technical liaison to the project teams

Database Management Specialist

• Manages data conversion and migration for customers, transactions, and other data consolidation efforts

• Assists with structural design, stored procedure development, function development, and overall maintenance

Lead Developer

• Designs systems from a user perspective

• Designs screens, reports, forms

• Designs usability of the application

• Designs application software components, including programs, modules, and run units

• Prototypes, develops, and unit tests software components

• Creates any APIs necessary

Application Developer/Programmer

• Designs systems from a user perspective

• Designs screens, reports, forms

• Designs usability of the application

• Designs application software components, including programs, modules, and run units

• Prototypes, develops, and unit tests software components

• Creates any APIs necessary

User Experience Engineer / Accessibility Expert

• Collaborates with development team to translate functional requirements into user workflows

• Develops interactive wireframes that communicate user workflows to support development

• Work with marketing team, client, and PM to develop a style guide that governs application visual elements

• Ensures web accessibility/Sec. 508 compliance of all applicable code

Lead Quality Assurance • Manages assigned QA team members and assists with feature testing

• Manages team members providing QA/testing deliverables

• Works directly with Brandt and state project staff to ensure overall quality

• Works with supplemental QA resources to develop QA use/test cases and automated regression tests

Infrastructure Manager • Oversees cloud platform architecture and virtual server storage

• Monitors system and preventive maintenance

• Oversees hardware procurement, installation, and maintenance

• Maintains incidence response policies and mitigation

Release Manager • Supports development operations

• Responsible for publishing new code and database changes

• Oversees change management activities and manages releases to all environments

Mobile App Developer • Develops and maintains public-facing and law enforcement mobile app

• Works closely with Quality Assurance team to ensure successful mobile apps

• Monitors mobile app performance

Data Intelligence Specialist • Develops and maintains visual data intelligence dashboards with platforms such as SAS and Tableau

• Implements Key Performance Indicator reports based on NGPC’s needs

Hardware Deployment Coordinator (if hardware is required)

• Coordinates configuration and deployment efforts for hardware

• Assists with quality assurance and testing of hardware components and configurations

• Works with Brandt Help Desk team to support hardware troubleshooting and support efforts

Marketing Coordinator • Oversees state agency marketing strategies

• Coordinate marketing-related project schedules and priorities

• Reviews, projects, and adjusts marketing budget planning

• Mediates cross-state marketing strategic discussions

• Oversees graphic design & print materials

• Coordinates data requests & dashboards for agency marketing efforts

Key Personnel Experience and Capabilities

Like our other state and county parks clients, NGPC will benefit from the broad experience and unique capabilities of the team proposed for this project. Each of these team members bring important disciplines to the project, including backgrounds in:

• Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

• Parks & Recreation Operations

• Hospitality / Resorts

• eCommerce & Consumer Sales

• Social Media & SEO Marketing

• Public-Sector Accounting / Analytics

The proposed key team members have been selected for NGPC specifically for their parks and hospitality experience;

their knowledge of Nebraska parks and the local region consumer market, as well as; their abilities to work collaboratively and on-location with the many NGPC contributors. Together, this expansive group defines the "Project Team" referenced throughout this proposal.

Please find resumes for our proposed key team members on the following pages.

BRANDT KEY PERSONNELL RESUME

Bryan Hetrick PMP

PROJECT MANAGER

Bryan Hetrick has a strong passion for superior customer service, managing staff, and project management. Having launched multiple complex IT implementations, he possesses the necessary set of skills needed for developing and managing software and technology projects and support for its users, for improving business processes, quality assurance reviews, and documenting project development for successful implementations.

He has been specifically selected to take the lead for the NGPC implementation due to his recent successes providing project management for state and county agencies of similar size and scope. Bryan has an excellent track record of projects staying on schedule with both the technical teams and client stakeholders.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 18

STATE AGENCY PROJECT EXPERIENCE SKILLS & EDUCATION

Bryan is responsible for client communication, ensuring project scope, system implementation timelines, and post-launch oversight. State and county agency experience includes project management and client support for:

o Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) State Parks o Georgia Power Parks o Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) o Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) o Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DOE) o Florida Department of Health (DOH) o Florida County Clerk of Courts (67 Counties) o Florida Clerk of Court E-filing Authority Board o Florida State Courts o Florida Supreme Court o Florida Office of State Court Administrator (OSCA) o Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC) o Florida Bar Association o Florida Highway Patrol o Georgia State Patrol o Florida Local Government Investment Trust (FLGIT)

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

B.S., Political Science/Public Administration Minor in Psychology

CERTIFICATIONS

Project Management Processional Certification (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE & EXPERIENCE

o Dynamic hands-on IT visionary who has extensive court related and governmental experience in project management, software development life cycle, integration, SQL relational database design and implementation, and client/customer training and support.

o…