PROGRAMMING SERVICES The Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office, is interested in acquiring information on programming services for its Data Acquisition and Management System (DAMS). The United States Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is an agency within the Department of the Interior. Administratively based in Denver, Colorado, Reclamation is a water management organization with operations distributed throughout the western United States. This request for information (RFI) is focused on the following: The present system of data management for dam instrumentation data within Reclamation uses a relational database (Techbase by Minesoft) which resides on a Unix-based minicomputer (HP-9000). The system is referred to as DAMS (Data Acquisition and Management System), and contains instrumentation data for over 300 dams. The present system of data entry, warehousing, analysis and presentation is inadequate for certain needs of our clients. Reclamation is familiar with a variety of statistical and presentation software packages, and requires an enhanced user interface. Therefore, Reclamation has a need to modify its system to meet our clients' current and future needs. In order to accomplish that, the following modifications or enhancements must be addressed: While data are presently input to the system using a variety of tools, from entry in Denver using hard copy data sheets either mailed or faxed to the office to automatic entry of data transmitted via satellite, improvements can be made. Reclamation needs to make the data entry system as simple as possible to encourage wider use of direct input of data from the field offices. Data entry needs to be made as close to the point of data gathering as possible in order to allow for the most effective troubleshooting of those data. A Windows or Java environment, where data entry can be guided by drop-down menus and other windows-type tools is desired. Data entry over the Reclamation Intranet (or Internet with appropriate security) using Java applets should be considered. User interface enhancements to system operation after data entry should be made. A Windows or Window-like environment is required. The present system uses Techbase by Minesoft as the technical database. Other database applications in Reclamation are either using or are planned for conversion to the latest version of Oracle. The relative costs and benefits of conversion to Oracle versus remaining with Techbase must be addressed so that a well-reasoned strategy can be adopted. Data analysis and output should be simple and flexible. For clients wanting more standardized results, output specifications should be simplified using pull-down menus, etc. Graphics would be readily available showing instrument locations, dam layout or cross section, as appropriate, etc. Access to AutoCAD drawings for this purpose would be required. For clients wanting to access either raw or reduced data directly for use in an analysis of their own, the system should make that process intuitive and simple, and should provide the information in a format that can be readily used in spreadsheet or other data analysis programs. Firms having such services are requested to submit the following information: 1. Company white pages; 2. A list of representative past clients and project types; 3. A brief description of the company's background or capabilities in the following areas -- Object design and programming and C++ under Windows 95/NT, SQL Databases, Java and HTML, and Embedded systems; 4. Billable rates, i.e., for programmers and team leaders or equivalent. This information should be transmitted, via e-mail, to: rlewis@do.usbr.gov, no later than March 2, 1998. Responses will be evaluated and a solicitation list may be established of those firms determined capable of fulfilling the Government's requirements. This RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a request for proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any follow-on acquisitions. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and Government use of such information. This RFI does not constitute the solicitation of proposals. NO TELEPHONE REQUESTS ALLOWED. Respondents to this RFI may be requested to provide additional details/information based on their initial submittals. WEB: AAMS Denver Office Acquisitions Home Page, http://www.usbr.gov/aamsden. E-MAIL: Ray Lewis, Contracting Officer, rlewis@do.usbr.gov.

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