City to integrate fleet vehicles with GPS network
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Cincinnati aims to modernize its fleet using GPS that tracks vehicle location, collects engine data and improves communication among drivers and dispatch.
Cincinnati is seeking a cloud-based GPS solution to provide unified location-services for city-owned vehicles.
In a request for proposals issued Jan. 6, the Queen City said its departments have adopted independent GPS services, which limits interagency interoperability. The different systems make it difficult to maintain and upgrade processes because emerging technologies may be incompatible with the fleets’ current legacy systems.
Cincinnati wants an onboard system compatible with city vehicles and able to meet specific division and operational needs. The GPS system must capture vehicle latitude, longitude, time, odometer and speed, including real-time position reporting and route viewing and altering. The system must also be able to store engine computer data such as fault codes, fuel data and mileage for up to 40 days, according to the RFP.
The city also calls for in-cab tablets with cellular connectivity. The tablets’ user interface should offer audible turn-by-turn directions for fleet drivers and allow them to report missed waste pickups, potholes or other hazards to dispatch personnel, the RFP stated. Alerting for violations of operational parameters, such as inappropriate driver behavior or travel outside specified areas is also requested.
Additionally, the city hopes to develop a web-based dashboard to display fleet vehicle data in real time as well as route assignments and completion status. With the dashboard, users can search vehicles by department, and dispatchers can broadcast messages to drivers in the field.
The system must be cloud-based and housed separate from the city network, but capable of interfacing with Cincinnati's existing network and systems, the RFP states. A web API for integration and compatibility with the city’s current Windows-, Apple- and Microsoft-based devices is also required.
The winning contractor will be the “sole source for hardware, installation, activation, infield product support, cellular service and subscription agreements and web-based hosted reporting,” according to the RFP. The initial four-year contract has two optional renewals for three years each.
Proposals are due March 1.