CURRENT AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The Texas Legislature passed a law in 2005 that required consolidation of certain data center related services for the largest 27 agencies, including TxDOT. The Texas information technology (IT) oversight agency, the Department of Information Resources (DIR), was charged was overseeing this consolidation. DIR chose to outsource data center services. IBM signed the contract with DIR in November 2006 to provide services beginning March 31, 2007. During the next several years, IBM plans to migrate TxDOT’s servers to one of two state data centers.
To date, very few TxDOT servers are in operation at one of the state data centers. IT costs have noticeably increased while service levels have noticeably decreased. Although two years have passed since IBM assumed operational responsibility, many challenges remain to successfully migrate all in-scope responsibilities to the service provider, including reliable data backups and restores, server event monitoring, equipment provisioning, and other related services.
INFRASTRUCTURE (DESKTOP, NETWORKING, SERVER/STORAGE/ETC.)
TxDOT’s current server infrastructure includes an IBM Z-Series mainframe, eleven primary P-Series AIX servers, 587 Windows servers, and 291 Novell servers. The department supports more than 14,100 users, nearly 16,100 workstations, and 844 locations. The mainframe and four AIX servers are located at the Texas State Data Center in San Angelo, Texas. All other servers are located in the TxDOT data center in Austin, in district and area offices throughout the state, at the Austin Disaster Recovery Operations Center, and at the Texas State Data Center in Austin.
TxDOT currently uses Windows Server 2000 and 2003 and the workstations use Windows XP. TxDOT evaluated Windows Vista last summer, but has no immediate plans to implement it. The next release of Windows (Windows 7, December 2009) will be evaluated and likely implemented in 2011.
TxDOT supports several database environments. ADABAS is heavily used to support legacy Management Information Systems (MIS) applications on the IBM mainframe. Oracle is used on AIX and Linux servers for GIS, spatial data applications, and PeopleSoft. Microsoft SQL Server is used to primarily support business applications. A few applications using Sybase are being migrated to Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.
NEW SYSTEMS (JUST COMPLETED, IN PROGRESS, OR PREPARING TO START)
MicroStation - TxDOT continues to support MicroStation 2004 Edition (V8) products for P. S. & E. submissions. TxDOT has deployed SELECT Server XM to license and administer pre-XM products. TxDOT continues to evaluate SELECT Server Athens, which provides numerous fixes to known issues with the previous version. TxDOT is evaluating MicroStation XM products for possible deployment to support P.S. & E. and machine control and modeling. TxDOT is preparing to initiate a pilot implementation of ProjectWise V8i to assist with the agency’s reorganization and regionalization effort by providing a collaboration mechanism to designers. TxDOT’s desire to provide a Virtual Earth/MicroStation solution with similar functionality used in the Google/MicroStation tools has ended due to the fact that discussions between Microsoft and Bentley have ended.
GEOPAK - TxDOT continues to support GEOPAK 2004 Edition (V8) for P. S. & E. submissions. TxDOT has evaluated version 8.8 and is now evaluating 8.9 (XM). TxDOT is engaged in several projects as proof of concept for automated machine guidance and anticipates piloting machine control in a district later this year. Bentley is making Roadway Designer (from InRoads) part of the GEOPAK work flow to ease in the creation of models for this purpose. TxDOT continues to work with Bentley on testing this new integration. Recently, Bentley provided TxDOT with the final service pack for XM and Roadway Designer. This software is being evaluated for possible deployment. TxDOT continues to provide training to users in the use of GEOPAK and will develop additional training material for Roadway Designer. Numerous in-house videos have also been developed to supplement training efforts as travel budgets continue to decrease.
GPS - TxDOT currently has installed and implemented 123 GPS base stations including 62 NGS recognized CORS sites. The stations are all networked and centrally managed from Austin through the Technology Services Division. A subset of the network includes virtual reference stations. TxDOT has a goal of expanding the network to provide coverage for surveying and construction applications along the IH 35 and IH 69 corridor routes. It is estimated that TxDOT will have more than 140 operational stations by the end of this year.
Survey Data Management Systems (SDMS) - TxDOT is currently using SDMS Collector version 3.5 with Husky DOS collectors, SDMS Collector version 4.3.1 with Windows CE collectors, and Trimble Survey Controller (version 12.44) to export SDMS compatible files. The standard format for raw data processing remains in the SDMS format. TxDOT is also using SDMS processor (version 3.1.1) which includes graphical chain editing, XML import/export features, and DTM functionality.
CAiCE - TxDOT is currently using CAiCE Visual Transportation V10 SP6 for surveying analysis. TxDOT’s Standing Committee on Surveying (SCOS) has started a project, to be completed by June 2010, to evaluate software as a potential replacement for CAiCE.
GIS - TxDOT continues to maintain Main Street Texas (MST), which is a web-enabled, GIS based information portal. The current implementation includes applications for bridge inventory, right of way mapping, local survey monumentation, NGS control, and recycled roadway materials. In addition to MST, TxDOT is testing the integration of pavement management mapping applications, SiteManager reports, airport sites, and construction projects applications through Microsoft Virtual Earth. ArcGIS version 9.3 has recently been upgraded to further enhance GIS capabilities within the department.
Bridge Geometry System (BGS) – TxDOT is using BGS as the primary tool for bridge geometric design. TxDOT developed BGS by modifying RDS to remove all program features that were not related to bridge geometry. BGS is a scaled-down implementation of TxDOT RDS that focuses on bridge geometric design. Ongoing program maintenance continues to address bugs and implement enhancements as requested by BRG users.
LRFD / STD Precast Prestressed Concrete Girder Design and Analysis Program (PSTRS-LRFD) - This project will provide TxDOT bridge engineers and consultants with prestressed concrete bridge girder design and analysis software that is compliant with the AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specifications and with TxDOT design, analysis and construction policies. TxDOT has hired a contractor and is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in a joint development effort to modify PGSuper, an open source program developed by WSDOT, to include the additional functionality required by TxDOT. Most of the required enhancements have been completed. TxDOT is in the process of implementing version 2.1.0 within the organization to replace the legacy application, PSTRS14, as the primary design tool for all beam types. However, PSTRS14 will continue to be used for the analysis of alternate designs until appropriate analysis features are added to PGSuper. The development project is scheduled to end in May 2009.
Decision Support System (DSS) – TxDOT will use DSS 6.6b to perform bid collusion detection and to provide analytical reports. The DSS database will be used as a data warehouse for TxDOT construction projects. DSS 6.6b was placed into production status on March 28, 2008. DSS 6.6b will run in parallel with the current DSS production version (5.4c) until August 31, 2009. TxDOT support for version 5.4c will end on September 1, 2009.
Electronic Bidding System (EBS) - The system facilitates the electronic submission of construction and maintenance contract bids. Submitted bids utilizing electronic signature authority are secured in a third party electronic vault and are only accessible to TxDOT after the bid closing date. This system directly connects to InSure and Surety 2000, bonding agents. Electronic bids were legally accepted by TxDOT in April 2009.
Electronic Project Records System (EPRS) – EPRS allows contractors and sub-contractors to securely submit payrolls and other documents over the Internet to a TxDOT database. The TxDOT database is used to collect important data from contractors and to provide information to record-keepers, auditors, and other governmental agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Highway Administration. EPRS is being modified to allow contractors to submit information that is mandated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Also, EPRS is being enhanced to allow contractors to electronically submit personnel data for the annual EEO report. The ARRA changes will be implemented in May 2009. The EEO report changes will be implemented in July 2009.
PONTIS - TxDOT has created a customized PowerBuilder front-end for the AASHTOWare PONTIS application called PonTex, which is being implemented statewide on a district-by-district basis. Additional enhancements, such as integration of PonTex with PONTIS analytical tools will occur in FY 2010.
Storm Water Management System (SWMS) – This system is used by TxDOT staff and designated consultants to monitor, track, and test storm water runoff and any discharge of pollutants that might encroach on or near department rights-of-way. The system tracks data through a GPS data collection application and stores the data in a web-based geographical database. TxDOT implemented its SWMS, also called the Outfall Tracking System in August 2008.
Texas Permit Routing Optimization System (TxPROS) - This project will acquire and integrate a software component into TxDOT’s existing Central Permit System (CPS) to provide true automated routing for the transport of oversize and overweight loads. The program will provide customers with a web-based, fully self-service system that is compatible with TxDOT’s base GIS and bridge data and will include required parameters such as structure height, lane width, load ratings, one-way attributes, access roads, turn restrictions, and at-grade railroad crossings. In 2007 an RFO was posted, vendor proposals were evaluated, and the contract was awarded to ProMiles® Software Development Corporation. The project team is currently testing the automated routing prototype and refining business processes that will allow TxPROS to obtain consistently accurate and current roadway attributes for on-system roadways that will allow optimized routing. The estimated completion date is December 2009.
Enterprise Document Technologies Implementation and Support Project (EDTIS) – This project implemented electronic document management technologies statewide in all TxDOT district and division offices. Software included FileNet Content Services, FileNet Image Services, Altien Document Manager (a web-based front-end), Kofax capture software and Adobe LiveCycle E-Forms.
Compass - This project will acquire and integrate a commercial off the shelf solution to automate the entire maintenance management cycle. This project will replace the current Maintenance Management Information System. Successful implementation of the chosen solution, AgileAssets’ Maintenance Management System (MMS), will eliminate duplicate entry of information, provide information in a timely manner to the maintenance managers, and provide useful tools to assist maintenance managers at all levels in the organization. This project includes configuration of MMS, user training, improving existing business processes, and post-implementation support as well as the implementation of MMS. The estimated completion date is June 2012.
Project Development Management System (PDMS) - This project will implement a commercial project portfolio management system, Primavera, customized to provide TxDOT with the tools necessary to deliver highway design projects on schedule and within the allocated budget. It will also allow TxDOT to better manage statewide design resources to improve efficiency. A PPM tool will support the project life cycle from portfolio management and resource allocation, to detailed project planning, through work execution, while supporting multi-sourcing environments by helping to mitigate communication and coordination problems. Project and functional managers will benefit greatly from the increased visibility and coordination of projects and associated tasks, schedules, and resources. Senior management will also have an efficient and effective method to evaluate the status of project design at an agency level. This tool will also facilitate reporting project progress to the legislature and the public, providing improved transparency and accountability. The project is expected to complete in the summer of 2009.
Project Tracker – TxDOT implemented a system to track construction projects through various phases of the development cycle. Details including project description, location, bid dates, development milestone dates, and cost breakdowns are available. Also identified are American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects. Project location is spatially located on a Virtual Earth map. Projects can be filtered to show TxDOT districts, United States House of Representatives districts, state senatorial districts, and state representative districts.
TxDOT Tracker – This system will publish measures of the effectiveness and efficiency of department operations and projects to the public. TxDOT Tracker will support the reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs) of various department functions to include safety, system preservation, mobility, financial reporting, environmental compliance, construction and eminence project costs, adherence to project timelines, and the effective use of department resources. Performance management will be monitored on district and division levels as well as a collective department-wide view. A performance dashboard will give executive staff an overall view of the operational efficiency of the department. TxDOT Tracker is estimated to be available by December 31, 2009.
Data Directory Synchronization – TxDOT has evaluated software solutions to provide a directory data synchronization solution and selected Novell Identity Manager. The implementation is ongoing and will allow directory objects to be synchronized across different directories. To date, NDS, GroupWise, Active Directory, and portions of Workcenter, TxDOT’s IT trouble ticket tracking application, have been integrated. Integration with PeopleSoft is in progress. This integration solution will reduce the administrative burden of multiple directories, increase the overall accuracy of data, and enforce data precedence.
LISTServ System – This system was implemented to allow the public to subscribe and receive e-mails related to transportation topics. A link is provided to the Texas governor’s and other Texas agency websites to allow the public to subscribe to additional e-mails related to a variety of topics concerning the State of Texas.
FTP Dropbox – This system was implemented to allow for the creation of a drop-off location of large files (up to 1.0 GB per file) instead of sending an e-mail with a large attachment. The Dropbox service can be used by internal and external users. A user identifies which file to send and an e-mail is sent to the recipient with a link and password for downloading the file, thereby eliminating the need to send these files via e-mail.
Sentinel – This software is currently being implemented and will allow for auditing the creation, deletion, and modification of user accounts. This audit trail will provide the means to ensure user accounts are administered by authorized personnel, deleted within required timelines, and modified as necessary.
Password Management Servlet (PWM) – This program is a password self service web application that can be integrated into existing directory authentication. PWM provides a highly customizable, intuitive end-user interface which allows users to manage their network password. Users are able to change their password, reset an expired password or recover a forgotten password using a challenge/response security method, thus reducing help desk calls. Other features include self service account management, new user creation and administrative logging. TxDOT is in the process of implementing this service.
RECORD OF EXCHANGE
TxDOT has obtained the PGSuper source code and documentation from the Washington DOT (WSDOT) and is currently working with WSDOT in an open source environment to modify the system to meet TxDOT requirements. TxDOT has also worked with several other states to share information and ideas on document management, MicroStation, GEOPAK, GIS, and AASHTOWare.
INFORMATION WANTED
TxDOT is interested in what other transportation agencies are implementing or considering in the area of Virtual Earth, Windows Live Mapping, ESRI ArcExplorer, application development tools, project management procedures, engineering document management, open source applications (including office suites), Linux application and database servers, use of tablets and handheld devices for field data collection, wireless communication; use of Citrix and/or Terminal Server for running applications, collaboration tools, social web applications (Web 2.0), and integration of legacy systems with new technologies.