UPDATE RFP: Managed IT Services Q & A

Q: Please provide more detail of your on-site support requirement? Please describe your Laptop/Desktop support requirement? Is it your expectation for the provider to fix laptops / desktops at your National offices as part of your onsite requirement?

A: Current support in place includes:

  • Proactive Maintenance of Servers
    • Microsoft Windows Servers
      • Weekly analysis of
        1. Errors, warning, and informational alerts concerning:
          • Applications and database(s) running on the server(s)
          • Operating system, services and servers(s) hardware
          • System and Network Security and intrusion detection
        2. Server disk space, utilization and health of server(s)
        3. Print queues, terminal server sessions, mail queues, bad mail, etc.
        4. Memory usage and Virtual memory utilization
        5. Processor utilization and performance
        6. Server Health Monitor Alerts (Microsoft Windows Servers only)
      • Daily review of backup log (assumes server has email capability)
      • Weekly confirmation that antivirus programs are updating on server(s)
      • Weekly running of Windows Updates on server(s), including installation of any pertinent service packs, security updates, ad patches
      • Reporting (monthly) of any problem resolution, status of hot fixes or patches applied
    • Deliverables expected
      • Monthly reporting (or more frequent if needed) on any issues, including:
        1. Internet line monitoring
        2. Support Tickets
        3. Visio WAN Drawing
        4. Network Documentation
  • Business Disruption Avoidance and Disaster Planning and Preparation
    • Microsoft Windows Servers
      • Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
      • Review of Backup Calendar
      • Semi-Annual restore of randomly selected tape media of
        1. Exchange Mailbox (assumes Microsoft Exchange Server)
        2. Selected files and folders
        3. Mission Critical application’s database (if applicable)
      • Semi-Annual analysis of integrity of all tape media
      • Monthly (of as necessary) cleaning of tape drives(s)
      • Quarterly test of UPS (battery backup) shut down procedures and battery life time
      • Semi-Annual test of RAID functionality and rebuild procedures
    • Deliverables expected
      • Reporting as needed on the following information:
        1. Backup log errors and warnings and why- as they demand attention
        2. Files that are skipped during backup operation – as they demand attention
        3. Files and/or folders that are excluded from the backup operation and why
        4. Results from testing of UPS, RAID, and restore tests
        5. Age and replacement dates of all media
        6. Any corrective actions taken
        7. Any future concerns regarding the issues (if any)
        8. Plans or recommendations to resolve any issues
  • Helpdesk and Technical Liaison
    • On call support services (standard: desktop/user outage)
      • Standard Business hours M-F 800am-500pm
    • On call support services (emergency: server/network outage)
      • 24 hours a day, & days a week, 365 days a year
    • Phone support
    • Email support services
    • Remote support of servers and desktops
    • Documentation file (Creation and upkeep of all records) including:
      • Network Map
      • Server configuration, installation, and patches applied
      • Vendor contact information
      • Software licenses and Hardware purchases (invoices, media, packing slips, etc)
      • Warranty and service plan information
      • Policies and Procedures (changing passwords, adjusting folder permissions, etc)
    • Vendor Liaison
      • Interact with all hardware and software vendors on behalf of the organization to ensure proposals, pricing, and work performed are accurate and satisfactory
    • Budgetary process
      • Work closely with technology related expenditures portion of annual budget
      • Anticipate future need for planning purposes
  • Service Level
    • Entire Organization
      • Guaranteed response time (call back of email)
        1. Non-Urgent (desktop or single user) issues – 24 hours M-F 8-5
        2. Emergency (server or network) issues – 8 hours 24x7x365
      • Guaranteed on site response time (if on site visit required for resolution)
        1. Non-Urgent (desktop or single user) issues – 48 hours M-F 8-5
        2. Emergency (server or network) issues – 24 hours 24x7x365
      • 24x7x365 Emergency paging service
      • All on call technicians have cell phones that will respond to an emergency service request 24 hour a day.

Q: Is there an Incumbent? What Company has been supporting your organization and how long have they been supporting SER National?

A: Current provider is Sagitta Systems, LLC.

Q: What has been the annual spend for this support over the last 2 years? On Pricing – are we to provide a Monthly Service cost to accomplish the tasks in the RFP? What is your pricing expectation for ad hoc onsite support?

A: Up to $100,000/Year.

Q: Training – is it your expectation that MAI provides IT training to your National office staff or Personal Development training to your clientele?

A: User training may be required for new applications, updates to current applications, and new user orientation. Web-based delivery would be preferred due to the distribution of staff.

Q: How many Users?

A: Approximately 100.

Q: System admins?

A: 2

Q: Hardware (devices)? Leased vs owned equipment?

A: Both

Q: Software (antivirus, Vbs script, Enterprise help desk solution)

A: Windows Server, Antivirus – Symantec, Enterprise Help Desk Solution – Vendor provided, Acronis backup solutions

Q: Software configuration manager? Current Ticketing system?

A: Vender designed

Q: Avg daily/monthly tickets?

A:  7/150

Q: What applications are currently being utilized?

A: MIP Accounting, ChildPlus and CORAdvantage to support Early Head Start programs,

 

 

Will the proposal also include telephony support? What type of system is in place?

Yes. Headquarters phone system is currently set to be replaced. Current system is a Samsung 7200 phone system.

Future planned tasks? Refreshes, deployments, upgrades, and the additional budget for items?

Disaster Recovery Test. Replacement of current Fiber internet at headquarters office. Replacement of phone system. New Managed Print Services agreement.

 

 

Wee Can Academies Bulletin June 2017

Wee Can Academies Bulletin June 2017

Make Summer Fun and Safe!

Summer is a great time for kids to enjoy different indoor and outdoor activities. Whether they are young children or teens, learn ways to keep your kids safe and healthy while they enjoy the summer fun.

Master water safety

Water-related activities are popular for getting physical activity and have many health benefits. Here are some tips to stay safe while having fun.

 

Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4, and three children die every day as a result of drowning.

 

  • Always supervise children when in or around water. A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.
  • Teach kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning.
  • Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your CPR skills could save someone’s life.
  • Install a four-sided fence around home pools.

 

Recreational boating can be a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Make boating safety a priority.

 

  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket every time you and your loved ones are on the water.

Oral health- Keep up with brushing your teeth

Dental Health is important for more reasons than you think! Did you know keeping a clean mouth helps you speak clearly, eat healthy foods and can even make you feel better about yourself? Brushing your teeth will keep away large medical costs, pain and distractions. If you have an achy mouth, you are less able to focus and learn!

What can you do as a parent?

  • Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Parents, be a role model and brush with your kids
  • Eat healthy foods and reduce sugar
  • Go to the dentist

Tooth Brushing Implementation

We will be working on implementing tooth brushing in Early Head Start classrooms. We will be providing teachers with Colgate, “Dr. Rabbit Meets a Brushalotamus” activity kits to work into daily curriculum and get those smiles shining bright.

Know the signs of child abuse and neglect

We know that child abuse and neglect happens in communities across the country. Child abuse and neglect affect everyone, whether your area is rich or poor, urban or rural, in California, Texas or Maine. Because of this, all parents should know the signs of child abuse and neglect.

There are different warning signs for different kinds of abuse and neglect. However, some indicators can signal abuse in any form. Some of the major signs are when a child:

  • Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance;
  • Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention;
  • Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen;
  • Lacks adult supervision; and
  • Appears afraid or hesitant to go home after school.

If you think a child is being abused or at risk of abuse, the most important step you can take is to report it. If you suspect a child is being or has been physically abused, please call 1-800-4-A-Child. This is the number for the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, which is staffed 24 hours a day, every day, and is available in 170 different languages. All calls to the hotline are confidential, and by calling you can find more information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. If you need immediate assistance, call 911.

Congratulations to Laurie Anderson!

Ms. Laurie Anderson participated in SER STEM Robotics. Ms. Laurie not only participated in the SER’s Robotics, but she won 3rd place in the competition.

Ignacio Salazar (President/CEO), Laurie Anderson, and Roger Rocha (Board Chair)

Ignacio Salazar (President/CEO), Laurie Anderson, and Roger Rocha (Board Chair)

“Growing up in Pleasant Grove and trying to overcome statistics, I have always worked hard no matter what. I am a teen parent, was a high school dropout. None of this defines me. SER EHS have shown me no matter what the circumstances, you can overcome them. I was lucky to be offered an opportunity to participate with the SER – STEM program. The education and encouragement has givenme to me has pushed my drive to attend college.”

INTRODUCING COR advantage…our guide to your child’ school readiness

At SER Early Head Start we regularly talk about getting your child ready for school, but what does school readiness mean?

COR Advantage is the assessment tool caregivers use to help them look at all aspects of your children’s learning. To complete COR Advantage, your child’s caregiver observes and writes notes about what he or she does and says during the daily routine.  The information you share about what happens at home also helps your child’s caregiver complete a full picture about your child.

 

Caregivers will begin to use COR Advantage in May.  To monitor children’s growth, we will assess your child 4 times per year.  At the end of each assessment period, your caregiver will create a report to get a profile of your child’s learning.  She will use this information to plan activities for your child.  As a reminder, children at this age learn through hands-on play, not through “school type” lessons.

 

You will get more information and training about COR Advantage in June.  We look forward to working with you to get your child ready for preschool!!

Earn a $20.00 Walmart Gift Card!

It is important for your child to attend the program daily.  He/she must attend the program Monday thru Friday for a minimum of 6 hours a day to benefit from the learning opportunities that prepare him/her for pre-school and to retain enrollment in the program.The Office of Head Start expects children to be present at least 85% of the time.    We will award a $20.00gift card from Walmart to families that have children with Perfect Attendance, until funds are exhausted.

The Grand Prairie Workforce Center is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, June 14th, 2017 from 10:00am-12:00pm.

The following employers will be featured:

JP Energy-Pinnacle Propane                  Automation Personnel Services

Childcare Careers                                 Enterprise Concrete Products

G2 Secure Staff                                    Intermountain Staffing

A word from Araceli Paniagua, EHS Director

You will start receiving a daily Parent Communication Folder.  The folder will have to two sections. On the left side, are forms/documents that you will return to the center and the right side will contain documents that you may keep for your records.  Samples of items that you can expect to receive are:

  • Parent Engagement Activity Log
  • 2016-2017 EHS-CCP Calendar
  • Financial Literacy Presentations Calendar
  • Menus
  • SER-EHS Monthly Newsletter

Your time is very valuable.  Please help us by documenting your in-kind contributions on the Parent EngagementActivity Log.  Your child’s teacher will send this form on Mondays for you to record learning activities (Monday-Thursday) that you complete daily with your child.  Please record time spent each day, sign and return the form on Friday.

Wee Can Academies Parent Meetings

(Round Table)

June 15, 2017 (Pleasant Grove)

June 15, 2017 (Grant East)

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

 

Wee Can Academy Grant East

2901 Morgan Drive

Dallas, TX  75241

972-325-7979

Ms. Pictra Payne, Child Care Manager

Little Coyote Newsletter June 2017

Little Coyote Newsletter June 2017

Make Summer Fun and Safe!

Summer is a great time for kids to enjoy different indoor and outdoor activities. Whether they are young children or teens, learn ways to keep your kids safe and healthy while they enjoy the summer fun.

Master water safety

Water-related activities are popular for getting physical activity and have many health benefits. Here are some tips to stay safe while having fun.

 

Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4, and three children die every day as a result of drowning.

 

  • Always supervise children when in or around water. A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.
  • Teach kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning.
  • Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your CPR skills could save someone’s life.
  • Install a four-sided fence around home pools.

 

Recreational boating can be a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Make boating safety a priority.

 

  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket every time you and your loved ones are on the water.

Oral health- Keep up with brushing your teeth

Dental Health is important for more reasons than you think! Did you know keeping a clean mouth helps you speak clearly, eat healthy foods and can even make you feel better about yourself? Brushing your teeth will keep away large medical costs, pain and distractions. If you have an achy mouth, you are less able to focus and learn!

What can you do as a parent?

  • Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Parents, be a role model and brush with your kids
  • Eat healthy foods and reduce sugar
  • Go to the dentist

Tooth Brushing Implementation

We will be working on implementing tooth brushing in Early Head Start classrooms. We will be providing teachers with Colgate, “Dr. Rabbit Meets a Brushalotamus” activity kits to work into daily curriculum and get those smiles shining bright.

Know the signs of child abuse and neglect

We know that child abuse and neglect happens in communities across the country. Child abuse and neglect affect everyone, whether your area is rich or poor, urban or rural, in California, Texas or Maine. Because of this, all parents should know the signs of child abuse and neglect.

There are different warning signs for different kinds of abuse and neglect. However, some indicators can signal abuse in any form. Some of the major signs are when a child:

  • Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance;
  • Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention;
  • Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen;
  • Lacks adult supervision; and
  • Appears afraid or hesitant to go home after school.

If you think a child is being abused or at risk of abuse, the most important step you can take is to report it. If you suspect a child is being or has been physically abused, please call 1-800-4-A-Child. This is the number for the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, which is staffed 24 hours a day, every day, and is available in 170 different languages. All calls to the hotline are confidential, and by calling you can find more information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. If you need immediate assistance, call 911.

INTRODUCING COR advantage…our guide to your child’ school readiness

At SER Early Head Start we regularly talk about getting your child ready for school, but what does school readiness mean?

COR Advantage is the assessment tool caregivers use to help them look at all aspects of your children’s learning. To complete COR Advantage, your child’s caregiver observes and writes notes about what he or she does and says during the daily routine.  The information you share about what happens at home also helps your child’s caregiver complete a full picture about your child.

 

Caregivers will begin to use COR Advantage in May.  To monitor children’s growth, we will assess your child 4 times per year.  At the end of each assessment period, your caregiver will create a report to get a profile of your child’s learning.  She will use this information to plan activities for your child.  As a reminder, children at this age learn through hands-on play, not through “school type” lessons.

 

You will get more information and training about COR Advantage in June.  We look forward to working with you to get your child ready for preschool!!

Earn a $20.00 Walmart Gift Card!

It is important for your child to attend the program daily.  He/she must attend the program Monday thru Friday for a minimum of 6 hours a day to benefit from the learning opportunities that prepare him/her for pre-school and to retain enrollment in the program.The Office of Head Start expects children to be present at least 85% of the time.    We will award a $20.00gift card from Walmart to families that have children with Perfect Attendance, until funds are exhausted.

The Grand Prairie Workforce Center is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, June 14th, 2017 from 10:00am-12:00pm.

The following employers will be featured:

JP Energy-Pinnacle Propane                  Automation Personnel Services

Childcare Careers                                 Enterprise Concrete Products

G2 Secure Staff                                    Intermountain Staffing

A word from Araceli Paniagua, EHS Director

You will start receiving a daily Parent Communication Folder.  The folder will have to two sections. On the left side, are forms/documents that you will return to the center and the right side will contain documents that you may keep for your records.  Samples of items that you can expect to receive are:

  • Parent Engagement Activity Log
  • 2016-2017 EHS-CCP Calendar
  • Financial Literacy Presentations Calendar
  • Menus
  • SER-EHS Monthly Newsletter

Your time is very valuable.  Please help us by documenting your in-kind contributions on the Parent EngagementActivity Log.  Your child’s teacher will send this form on Mondays for you to record learning activities (Monday-Thursday) that you complete daily with your child.  Please record time spent each day, sign and return the form on Friday.

Parent Meeting:

June 29, 2017

4:00 – 5:00

Little Coyote Learning Center

1100 N. Carrier Parkway

Grand Prairie, TX 75050

Phone: 972-522-2978

Hours of Operation:  6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Creating a Vibrant and Healthy Community for All!

 

Dear Friends,

What a way to begin La Alianza’s next chapter in our new location! On May 20th over 400 community members, 20 event sponsors, 30 in-kind donors and local businesses joined us to fill our new space with love and encouragement. Many generations of La Alianza supporters were standing with us, including our intrepid founder, Frieda Garcia. Frieda’s vision 45 years ago still guides and grounds us today–La Alianza is here to improve the lives of Latinos and other communities every day.

We were honored to witness a moving speech from Mayor Marty Walsh; a call to action from our lead sponsor Guardian Health’s CEO, Jose de la Rosa; a beautiful bilingual message of support from Secretary Alice Bonner of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; family caregiver testimony from Fernandito Bosa (El Mundo Boston and El Planeta Media Boston) and Rafael Torres (President of Don Quijote Tours); as well as a deeply moving blessing from Pastor Samuel Acevedo of Congregación León de Judá. The always vibrant Alberto Vasallo III, President and CEO of El Mundo Boston, served as Emcee, making this a truly special event. The energy from this event will fuel our work in the future!

We want to extend our gratitude to our wonderful in-kind donors, local businesses and community partners. Boston Police Department’s Ice Cream Truck served up some yummy fun; City Fresh Foods, El Oriental de Cuba, Fair Foods, Olive Garden, Stop & Shop and Yely’s Coffee Shop fed 400 with nutritious and culturally appropriate food; Perfectly Balanced Life and Yvette Cajigas were on hand for yoga, massage and relaxation; Walgreens provided health screenings; Gian Carlo Buscaglia and The Latin Swing Group entertained us; and SnapChef, Year Up and many of our sponsors were on hand to talk about educational and job opportunities in our community.

I’m happy to share with you that we exceeded our goal of raising $45K for our 45 years! Please scroll down to see the list of our generous sponsors. Every dollar raised will go directly to support our mission of providing advocacy, education, social and public health services to Latino and other communities in Greater Boston. With the ongoing commitment from our supporters, our doors will welcome people-in-need today and for the next 45 years.

Thank you for standing with La Alianza Hispana.

With heartfelt thanks,

Marisol Amaya-Aluigi
Executive Director