Advance Warning System

The Vendor is required to provide to enhance, host, and maintain the city advance warning system (AWS) website.
- The AWS website will include existing features such as: the ability to send emergency messages, post messages to the website, and ways for registered users to search for providers. 
- Planned enhancements include improved database management, the ability to store and load pre-written messaging, and the addition of accessibility features within messaging.
- These agencies and organizations have developed trusted relationships with their clients and can tailor communication and support to their client’s specific needs, empowering each client to take action in the manner most appropriate for them.
- E-mail messages are sent to all registered agencies and organizations through the website, including information about a current or pending emergency, such as hazardous weather, utility disruption, transportation disruption, public health emergency, or an event requiring evacuation; pre-season or pre-incident preparedness tips for extreme weather including, but not limited to, hurricanes, summer heat and winter storms; information on services and assistance available to people with disabilities and access and functional needs during periods of recovery. 
- Registrants also have the ability to opt-in to SMS message alerts which link to the website.
- Conference calls include discussions of emergency information, plan activations, outreach efforts and resource needs.
- The AWS website and content currently uses 550MB of storage. 
- The database itself is approximately 1 GB, which includes data for approximately 9,000 registered users as well as website content and other stored information. 
- The website operates on a Linux operating system and is built using the Java Spring framework, with a PostgreSQL database.
- Once registered, each individual registrant will receive emergency alerts via e-mail and/or SMS (text message) according to their preference. 
- Registrants are also able to view emergency messaging on the website, as well as, gain access to information about other agencies and service providers that are registered on the website.
- Hosting and maintenance of the AWS website will include existing features such as the ability to send emergency messages via SMS and e-mail, post copies of the messages to the website, and ways for registered users to search for providers, and API integration with agency Ever bridge environment. Enhancements to the website will include improved database management, the ability to store and load pre-written messaging, and the addition of accessibility features within messaging.
- Continued hosting and maintenance of current website features will allow agency to share information and interact with registered users’ points of contact for situational awareness and allow agency to provide and/or receive targeted information to/from a subset of registered users based on many different factors, including location, services provided, communities served, and/or other information provided when a user registers.
- The website must be structured and maintained in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and relevant web accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 or higher. Vendors must ensure that all features and enhancements support accessibility and usability for individuals with disabilities, and proposals should include a description of the firm’s experience with accessible web development.
- Complete solution hosting month-to-month the length of the contract.
- Support for minimal traffic with capacity to surge during an emergency.
- Enterprise level phone and e-mail technical support featuring 24-hour, seven day a week availability.
- Budget: $750,000.

- Contract Period/Term: 5 years
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: October 27, 2025