Dear Agency Directors:

The Telecommunications Program Office (TPO) is approaching the final year of the State’s telecom contract with Accenture (AZNet). This communication is being sent to provide you with background information and an update regarding the status of the State’s forthcoming telecommunications Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation.

Background:

• Legislation in 2003 required the State to privatize state telecommunications services
  
• The current AZNet contract is ending in January 2012
  
• By the end of January 2012, over 85% of the supported devices will be End of Life
  
• Current network design does not address:
  
• Newer technologies
  
• Mobile/Smart Phones
  
• LANs (wired & wireless)

RFP Approach:

• The State will follow a phased approach to maximize resources and ensure successful delivery of the project:
  
• Phase 1 - Create and Issue an RFP (late Calendar Year 2010)
  
• Phase 2 - Make the Award (mid Calendar Year 2011)
  
• Phase 3 - Implementation (through January 2012)

A RFP design team, working in conjunction with the consulting firm of Gartner and multiple workings groups consisting of subject-matter personnel from various state agencies, are vigorously working to provide RFP input regarding the following areas:

• Service level and enforceable accountability requirements
• Functional requirements
  
• Transition management
  
• Technical and security requirements
  
• Performance characteristics
  
• Test and acceptance requirements
  
• Customer service requirements
  
• Roles and responsibilities
  
• Relationship disentanglement
  
• Value added services

Direct Benefits of RFP Project:

• Refresh and upgrade statewide networks and technologies
  
• Reduce telecommunication costs (seat charges and carrier spend)
  
• Consolidate and ultimately leverage voice and data networks
  
• Improve service levels and response times
  
• Improve network security
  
• Develop business continuity and disaster recovery programs

I will be sending periodic updates on the progress being made toward finalizing the RFP. Please feel free to contact me (david.raber@azdoa.gov) or Lori Boak (lori.boak@azdoa.gov) if you have any questions or concerns about this project.

Thank you

David Raber
Interim Director
Arizona Department of Administration
100 North 15th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-1500