In 2010, Westin Engineering, Inc., completed the Fort Worth Water Department's Information Technology (IT) Master Plan. As part of the strategic plan, they highlighted two projects related to customer service management in the field, Mobile Workforce Management and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Because the Water Department has identified improvements in meter management and service order management as among its most immediate objectives, it is recommended to move forward with a comprehensive feasibility assessment. The feasibility assessment for mobile work order management will include a business case evaluation for a field work order system for Meter Services. A field-based work order system is expected to have numerous benefits including efficiencies gained by replacing manual processes. Currently, Staff prints out hard copies of work orders to be completed and distributes to field personnel. This causes not only multiple trips back and forth to the main office to pick up additional work orders throughout the day but also slows the work process and increases costs including overtime and fuel. Mobile management is also expected to improve response time to customers. In addition to the mobile work order management task, Westin Engineering, Inc., will perform a business case evaluation for implementing an Advanced Meter Infrastructure system for commercial and industrial customers. The scope of services includes a comprehensive analysis of an automated metering system. Technological advances in metering can provide numerous benefits to the utility and its customers, including the ability to remotely read meters and identify usage patterns to potentially help customers identify leaks and other causes of high bills. It will also allow Staff to view data daily, improving efficiency and augmenting conservation efforts by detecting irrigation violations. For both project components, Westin Engineering, Inc., will provide business process modeling and change management recommendations, develop project strategy, assess return on investment, and provide business case evaluation reports. Westin Engineering, Inc., was selected to conduct this assessment based on both their experience with the industry and their knowledge of the Water Department's business strategy, having recently conducted the IT Master Plan. Their broad experience helping similar utilities across the nation will be an asset to the City of Fort Worth. M/WBE - A waiver of the goal for MBE/SBE subcontracting requirements was requested by the Water Department and approved by the M/WBE Office because the purchase of goods or services is from sources where subcontracting or supplier opportunities are negligible. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENT
An increase or administrative amendment for this Agreement may be made by the City Manager, or his designee, for an amount up to $50,000.00 and does not require specific City Council approval so long as sufficient funds have been appropriated. |
