MDC Selects IBM for Information Systems
Consulting Services

Hartford, November 16 – The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) today announced that it has selected IBM as an information technology consultant in order to assist the MDC in achieving full utilization of its existing SAP-based computer system.

The existing SAP system was implemented in the fall of 1999 and was successful in helping the MDC to avoid any problems associated with the Year 2000 conversion.

Anthony V. Milano, MDC Chief Executive Officer, said that “SAP is a first-class software package, but we have experienced some difficulty in realizing the program’s full potential, including integrating all of the District’s varied functions. We have invested a considerable amount of money in our SAP software and in information systems in general. Working in concert with IBM, the MDC will identify areas where remedies are needed and how to fix them. It is important to note that issues related to the software implementation never compromised the MDC’s delivery of clean drinking water and reliable sewage services.”

Anthony H. Gallicchio, MDC Chairman, said that the SAP software system is a sophisticated product that will allow the MDC to take advantage of information technologies today and in the future, such as the advance of wireless technology.

“With any major software implementation, such as the District’s conversion to SAP, problems are not uncommon,” he said. “As we look to the years ahead, it is essential that we use our systems to their full capabilities and that our staff receive the necessary training,” he said.

The MDC received 12 initial responses to a Request for Qualifications distributed in August 2001. Three vendors submitted proposed statements of work and fee proposals. The firm of Pricewaterhouse/Coopers assisted the MDC in the Request for Proposal process by helping to establish a detailed list of some 70 selection criteria and assigning weighted values for each. A selection committee comprised of MDC staff judged the response to the Request for Proposal and assigned scores to each. Pricewaterhouse/Coopers held no voting role in the evaluation process.

On November 7, the selection committee recommended that IBM be awarded the contract.

Overseeing the work for the MDC will be James Patania, the newly hired Manager of Information Technology.

Besides approving the engagement of IBM, the MDC approved an $850,000 appropriation for the Information Technology Department. That consists of: $400,000 for the SAP assessment and follow-up tactical plan; an estimated $100,000 in SAP year-end changes and support; and $350,000 to implement Microsoft 2000 throughout the District.

A non-profit municipal corporation chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1929, the MDC supplies water and sewer services to its eight member municipalities: Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. The MDC also supplies treated water to the Town of Portland and to portions of Glastonbury, East Granby, South Windsor and Farmington.

The MDC also operates two hydroelectric facilities and, under contract to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, the waste processing portion of the Mid-Connecticut trash-to-energy project. Information about the MDC can be found on its web site, www.themdc.com.

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