REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
May 24, 2018
FROM: KEVIN R. MEIKLE, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a consulting services agreement with Faith Group LLC., to create an Airport Information Technology Strategic Plan for Fresno Yosemite International Airport for an amount not to exceed $127,412 (Council District 4)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends Council authorize the Director of Aviation to execute a consulting agreement with Faith Group LLC., (Faith Group) for services related to creating an Airport Information Technology Strategic Plan (Plan) for Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) for an amount not to exceed $127,412.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The aviation industry and its stakeholders are in a constant state of technology evolution to maximize operational efficiency and the customer experience. Airports are the hub that supports the stakeholders, including airlines and their affiliates, numerous federal agencies, concessionaries, and rental car corporations. FAT has grown by 34% since 2010 and is continuing to grow, and in a relatively short amount of time has emerged as a major regional air service hub within the national air transportation system. The Plan will identify technology gaps and provide a roadmap to meet the airports current and future needs in a flexible and efficient manner. The work effort will be focused on the Airports Information Technology (IT) environment, which is very diverse, and is distinct and separate from the City’s IT environment.
BACKGROUND
The Plan will develop IT strategies, including cyber security, and be adaptable to on-going evolution of IT innovations and systems in an airport environment. There will be a focus on flexible technology objectives that accommodate new business priorities and have the potential for driving business growth. Some of the considerations include:
• How the use of technology can improve operations.
• A SWOT analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to identify both internal and external factors that can affect IT's ability to contribute to an organization's success.
• An analysis of the gap between Airport IT’s current strengths and deficiencies. The department can then identify the barriers and the resources needed to bridge the gap.
• Propose flexible technology investments that will contribute to the Airport’s success.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
Through a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, the Airports Department invited Statements of Qualification (SOQ) from qualified and experienced Information Technology consultants specializing in commercial air service airport environments to develop an Airport Information Technology Strategic Plan. The Department advertised the RFQ in The Business Journal and on the Airport’s and industry websites. Five professional consulting firms submitted a SOQ for evaluation with a review committee in accordance with the provisions of the RFQ. The firms were rated based on their qualifications and submissions. Of the five firms, it has been determined by the Department that Faith Group is most qualified to create the Plan. Faith Group is an aviation planning and engineering firm specializing in a full range of technology and security consulting services, and has led the development of more than 25 Airport Security and IT Master Plans.
Information Technology applications and systems at an airport are complex and involve multiple types of stakeholders, each with their own strategic business plan and operational environment. Developing an airport IT strategic plan necessitates in depth knowledge of all airport stakeholders and relevant expertise, which is beyond the capabilities of staff to perform.
The scope of work and fee were also reviewed by the City’s Information Services Department (ISD). The Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s office.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable to this project pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code 4-109(b)(3).
FISCAL IMPACT
The Airport Information Technology Strategic Plan will provide an operationally efficient and fiscally responsible roadmap as FAT continues to grow in its technological needs. Funding for the Plan is included in the City’s Adopted FY 2018 budget. There is no impact to the General Fund from this action.
Attachment:
- Faith Group, LLC Agreement