fpOnline Newsletter January 2024
   

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In This Issue

What is fpOnline?

  • fpOnline is a software solution that modernizes how users create, submit, and review forest practices applications (FPAs) and water type modification forms (WTMFs).
  • Users will be able to complete and submit forms online, sign electronically, pay online, create maps online, and attach PDF or TIFF maps.
  • fpOnline will meet regulatory requirements, will comply with forest practices rules, and will adhere to DNR Forest Practices Program policies.

Project Milestones & Phases

  • The Planning phase involves Preparation for RFP, Team selection and High level requirements. This phase started in May 2023.
    The Procurement phase involves Request for proposals, Technology budget, Vendor selection, and Contract negotiations. This phase started in November 2023 and ends in March 2024.
  • The Discovery phase involves Determine detailed requirements and Ensure common understanding. This phase starts in April 2024 and ends in July 2024.
  • The Configuration phase involves Software configured to meet requirements. This phase starts in June 2024 and ends in October 2024.
  • The Testing & Training phase involves Configuration tested and compared to requirements and Users trained using multiple formats. This phase starts in July 2024 and ends in December 2024.
  • The software will Go Live in Jan 2025.

Look Ahead

  • We will review proposals in January and announce the apparently successful bidder in February. 
  • fpOnline staff will attend the Small Landowner’s Advisory Committee in January and the Oregon Logging Conference in Salem in February.
  • Advisory Committee meetings will continue in January and February.
If you have questions regarding attending informational meetings, please email dnrrefponline@dnr.wa.gov.

January 2024

  • Jan. 3, 2024 - Program Coordinator Conference Call 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • Jan. 5, 2024 - Reviewer Advisory Committee Meeting  8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Jan. 5, 2024 - Forest Practices Advisory Committee Meeting 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 8, 2024 - Forest Landowner Advisory Committee Meeting 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 16, 2024 - Forest Practices Assistants Meeting 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Jan. 17, 2024 - Forest Practices Statewide Program Meeting 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 
  • Jan. 24, 2024 - DNR Sponsor Coalition Meeting 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Jan. 25, 2024 - fpOnline Steering Committee Meeting 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 26, 2024 - fpOnline Software Vendor Interviews/Demos

February 2024

  • Feb. 1, 2024 - fpOnline Status Update @ Pacific Cascade Region North TFW Meeting, Fort Borst Park
  • Feb. 7. 2024 - Forest Practices Program Coordinator Conference Call 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • Feb. 8, 2024 - Forest Practices District Manager Meeting 8:15 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Feb. 9, 2024 - Announce Apparent Successful fpOnline Software Vendor
  • Feb. 15, 2024 - Vendor Debriefing Conference
  • Feb. 20, 2024 - Forest Practices Assistants Meeting 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Feb. 21, 2024 - Forest Practices Statewide Program Meeting 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 
  • Feb. 22, 2024 - fpOnline Steering Committee Meeting 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 22, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2024 Oregon Logger’s Conference fpOnline
  • Feb. 28, 2024 - DNR Sponsor Coalition Meeting 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Feb. 29, 2024 - fpOnline Status Update @ Pacific Cascade Region South TFW Meeting, Lewis County PUD 

Get Involved

Become a member of an advisory committee. Advisory committees will meet throughout the course of the project. Members will receive updates on fpOnline’s development and be asked to provide guidance. To join one of these committees, please contact dnrrefpon-line@dnr.wa.gov. 
 
Committees:
  • Internal DNR fpOnline Advisory Committee
  • Forest Landowner Advisory Committee 
  • Reviewer Advisory Committee 
Read the December newsletter to learn more.

Question of the Month

What criteria will DNR use to choose the vendor who will build fpOnline?

The Request for Proposal (RFP) contains the following minimum criteria for bidders in Section 1.3.B. To be considered, the bidder’s proposals must demonstrate they have the following knowledge and experience.
  1. The bidder must show past experience successfully meeting the state requirements for security. Read more about WaTech policies.
  2. The bidder must demonstrate success at converting and migrating data from one application to a second application with an error rate below 5 percent.
  3. The bidder must demonstrate that they have successfully configured the following types of software applications:
    1. Invoicing
    2. Online payment portal 
    3. Licensing process (including application, approval process, payment process, enforcement of policies, and closure)

Accomplishments

fpOnline RFP Release

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the vendor has been released. Proposals are due in mid-January, and DNR expects to pick a vendor in early February. If everything goes smoothly, the vendor should begin work in late March 2024.
  • The RFP is available to view on the fpOnline web page.
  • The pre-proposal briefing has been held, with approximately 40 representatives from 20 companies present.

Project Meetings & Presentations

  • fpOnline staff attended the NWIFC quarterly meeting.
  • fpOnline held inaugural meetings for the three Advisory Committees.

Web Page Updates

  • We’ve updated the fpOnline web page with the latest project information and FAQs.

Nerd Corner

What is a software system/application “requirement?"

Software requirements are high-level instructions that define the purpose and expectations of a software system or application. Requirements state what the system must do, and the features and functions needed for the software application to meet the customer’s business needs.
Requirements are separated into functional and non-functional. 
  • Functional requirements define what the software application/system must do. 
  • Non-functional requirements describe the general properties of a system, such as security, reliability, and performance. 

Keeping up with fpOnline

Future User Quotes

"Just keep it simple. "
- FP Board member
"fpOnline will [allow us to] focus more on things in the woods, and be less bogged down in outdated systems."
- FP Manager
"Make it happen. MAKE IT HAPPEN! I am excited about where we’re at. This effort has gone much farther and it is more organized. It seems legit, for real."
- FP Manager
"I’ve wanted something like this since I started. I hate the paper and pen system. Can you get into the 21st century please? I’m excit­ed you’re bringing this into the modern era."
- Reviewer