San Francisco Municipal Wireless TechConnect Initiative RFP released - Appears monitized on the Public's Privacy
City of San Francisco's DTIS/SFPUC Departments released the Municipal Wireless TechConnect RFP without Needs Analysis, Feasibility Study, Financial Analysis and Inclusionary Process as requested by LAFCO
Multiple requests by interested parties to help shape the RFP were blocked by DTIS, SFPUC and City Attorney.
An initial review of the RFP appears written for the benefit of a Vendor who can finance the solution based on the privacy of the Public (targeted advertising).
It has opened-ended questions about Privacy rather than setting minimal standards (unlike the minimal security requirements).
It has no minium Bandwidth standards for the Free Basic Service portion, it just asks the Vendor to povide something.
Unfortunately, DTIS allows that they may waive criteria stated in the proposal during contract negotiations.
The RFP has no serious provisions for Disaster-Proof communications for the general public
Oddly there is no Pre-Proposal Conference planned for the RFP.
(From draft LAFCO minutes 12/16/05)
"Chairperson Commissioner Mirkarimi moved, seconded by Commissioner McGoldrick, to request that the Executive Officer send a letter to the Mayor, Board of Supervisors and Department of Telecommunications and Information Services indicating SF LAFCO's interest in pursuing a municipally-owned WIFI system and addressing issues, including but not limited to, a feasibility study, financial, and inclusionary process, and needs analysis, etc"
See RFP: Here
More coverage at: sfist.com Leftinsf.com
Stop the backroom deal.
Library/Bank-like privacy and security, disaster-proof communications for all, cell-phone-like coverage.