Technology Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A. Brief Description of Work
The Michigan State Police is requesting the services of a technology consultant to research and assist in the area of database linking, extraction, and access to data in many state databases, in order to perform crime trending and investigation as well as a number of other functions for various types of users. The technology consultant will be responsible for performing a needs analysis within the State Police and with their users to determine users’ needs and desires, performing an enterprise architecture analysis and developing recommendations for obtaining / developing tool(s) that will meet the department and users’ needs that are consistent with the available architecture, writing all technical and business requirements, working with the Departments of Information Technology and State Police in determining the best approach for obtaining the tool(s) (vendor procurement or in-house development) and for working with the selected technical personnel as a liaison between the technical and business owners to develop a suitable product.
B. Background on the work requested
The State Police, in conjunction with the Department of Information Technology, is transferring all of its data from a 30 year old mainframe environment to web based client software with databases residing on a server based Oracle platform.
All approximately 600 law enforcement agencies in Michigan contribute data to State Police databases in a number of areas, including but not limited to the Sex Offender Registry, Crime Statistics, and Traffic Crashes. In addition, it works closely with other state agencies that hold complementary databases, such as death records, Emergency Medical Services, and the State Judicial Data Warehouse. It is a strategic initiative of the State Police to make its data more useable and accessible to its own analysts, contributors, and users.
Once the data has been transferred off the mainframe the next step in the State Police plan is to research and devise a method for making the data more accessible. This technology consultant is the first step in this process.
C. Objectives
MSP’s goal is to fulfill the established scope of the project listed in III A and B. Each project has multiple phases to obtain these goals. The technology consultant obtained through this ITB will work with MSP, DIT, MSP Project Office, and any other team members assigned, as well as contractors hired through the State of Michigan contracts.
D. Agency technical environment for the work
The new State Police architecture for this type of information is web based client software with databases residing on a server based Oracle platform. Many of the applications are accessible through the MiCJIN portal using LDAP authentication and security. Several databases integrate with federal databases using messaging technology through the CPI switch.
E. Description of the requested work, including deliverables and knowledge transfer
The technology consultant will handle the research, documentation, recommendations,
preparation and coordination, including the following:
• Research and document the needs and desires of State Police personnel in the area of retrieving data from the various MSP databases. This includes holding focus groups of business owners of the applications themselves, users in the field, and command staff.
• Research and document the needs and desires of the contributors to the State Police databases. These include primarily law enforcement agencies but may include courts, prosecutors and others.
• Research and document the needs and desires of the users of the State Police databases. These include such entities as the Traffic Records Coordinating Committee, the CJIS Policy Council, the state’s Statistical Analysis Center and advocacy groups such the Council Against Domestic Violence.
• Compile a needs assessment based on the above research, clarifying the types of information needed and why.
• Perform an analysis and gain an understanding of the operating systems and architecture used by DIT within the State Police, including the State Police’s current information sharing tool (ISERVICES) and other DIT infrastructure available to the State Police, such as the state data warehouse, in order to understand the capabilities available.
• Research and document the capabilities of commercial vendors that may possess some of the capabilities to meet the identified needs.
• Provide at least three recommendations, with pros and cons of each, for meeting State Police service needs. These may include a staged approach if funding issues arise.
• Confer with identified State Police business owners and the Project Office, in conjunction with the Department of Information Technology, to select the best option.
• Write comprehensive business and technical specifications for the tool(s) necessary to meet the identified needs.
• If a Request for Proposal(s) is necessary, write the RFP and work with state staff to navigate this document through the various steps (vendors will be precluded from submitting proposals if they assist in the development of the RFP).
• Participate in the selection process as directed.
• Participate in the project as a subject matter expert, working with the designated Project Manager to develop the product.
• Prepare all reports are as required in Section G
Deliverables will not be considered complete until MSP has formally accepted them. Deliverables for this project include:
• Monthly status reports
• Needs assessment results based on the activities outlined above.
• Recommendations on options as described above.
• Comprehensive business and technical specifications
• Request for Proposal(s), (as necessary)
• Other deliverables as agreed by MSP
F. Any specific regulations, requirements or expertise applicable, including specific background/security checks required.
The candidates will be required to pass a fingerprint based criminal background check that is required by MSP.
The candidate should have a background in data sharing and integrating law enforcement information management systems.
G. Reports required
A monthly status report is required for submission to the Project Office Manager and CJIC Director detailing the tasks and deliverables completed. If DIT involvement is required, any reports involved shall be made available to the DIT manager assigned to the project.
A twelve month summary plan timeline showing how the research and consulting objectives will be met within 30 days of employment.
The deliverables listed above - in electronic and written format. All research material and findings become the property of the Michigan State Police and may not be used as part of any other private consulting firm.
H. Location where the work is to be performed
 All work will be performed at Michigan State Police/Criminal Justice Information Center, currently located at Hollister Building, 106 W. Allegan, Lansing, Michigan.
 Should the MSP/CJIC be relocated, all work performed will be at the new location.
 Travel time and/or expenses will not be reimbursed. Parking will not be reimbursed.
I. Hours :
 Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, with a one-hour lunch from 12:00noon until 1:00pm—not to exceed 40 hours per week or 2,080 hours per year.
 Person will not be paid for State holidays
J. State’s contract/project manager for the work
Diane Sherman, Director
CJIC – Statistical Records
Hollister Building
106 W. Allegan
Lansing, Michigan
ShermaDL@michigan.gov
K. The numbers of personnel by skill set (classification)
One (1) person is required with the skill set of Technology Consultant.
Technology Consultant
Understands the strategic direction of enterprise and the supporting IT systems and architectures. Maintains knowledge of emerging technological trends and utilizes this knowledge to educate both IT and the business of opportunities to build better IT solutions that support and drive business decisions. Assists in the definition of the architecture and technology needs of the organization based on new and emerging technologies, and establishes priorities and strategies consistent with business goals and economic viability. Establishes foundation architecture for organization to standardize on hardware and software usage. Serves as a consultant and advisor to senior IT leadership on advanced technologies and evaluates the business impact through cost/benefit analysis. Recommends and incorporates technology with long-term business plans. Transfers knowledge of key learning throughout the enterprise, and establishes and communicates strategic and technological plans. This position prefers a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related field, or equivalent work experience and requires 7 to 10 years of IT work experience. Requires prior management, supervisory, or team leader experience.
Knowledge of criminal justice processes is preferred.
B. Start and End Dates for the work
 July 21, 2008 through July 20, 2010
 Three (3) year contract: