Agency Natural Resources Dept

Contractor Aquatic Informatics

SWIFT Contract Number B57052/3000012709

Project Name Water quantity time series software

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: Water Quantity and Quality Time Series Data Management Software System
Off the shelf system designed to operate as a collective of shared installations or independent, but interconnected, installations. This system will replace existing data systems and provide combined data storage and processing capability for water related time series and point data that are accessible and editable by state and local agency cooperators under a CPV arrangement.

Project Duration

Start Date Thu, 06/30/2011 - 00:00

Original end date Wed, 12/31/2014 - 00:00

Actual end date Thu, 08/02/2012 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? No

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $297545.50

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $297545.50

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Clean Water Amendment

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Gregory A. Kruse

Evaluator Email Address greg.kruse@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Project timelines for specific deliverables were not met and an amendment was put in place to allow an extension for certain deliverables

Evaluate the contractor's quality Although the contractor put in significant time into to the project the software and modifications were unable to meet the performance requirements as specified.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Project costs were considered average and comparable to the other competitive proposal received.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The significant work that both Aquatic Informatics and the State expended failed to resolve the systemic problems with the software’s performance and stability. The State performed three multi-user tests, two times in training sessions with AQUATIC Informatics staff and one time as an independent test as referenced a June 5, 2012 letter. The system did not perform satisfactorily in both performance and stability during any of these tests. Two of these system tests identified significant problems with the system that lead to complete system instability.

Product malfunctions occurred during initial installation and reached an unacceptable level. In its current state the software package cannot provide reliable service and does not meet the needs of the State of Minnesota as specified in the contract.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): Termination of this contract was based upon significant product performance issues and deadline overruns for the delivery of services. The product was clearly not ready and able to meet the needs of the State of MN. The product is currently undergoing significant design changes and testing by the U.S. Geological Survey. DNR anticipates a commercial version of this product may meet the State's need at a later date. The State retains ownership of the software and can reactivate its license if a future version of the product meets the performance requirements of the State.

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 2 - dissatisfied