Today Kim confirmed this project and purchase has been completed.

As of today a "Philip" as Samsara is trying to fill in for the main contact who is on maternity leave.  The need is for an updated quote that is clearer about limited device or data control by DEP.  DEP is only getting services, and we were seeking some possible changes related to 1 vs 3 years.   Jim M. gave guidance on what is needed sufficient to pursue Samsara.  

As of Aug. 2nd Alissa is pursuing a quote from Samsara and Jim M. is seeking needed modifications to the M4014 contract. TIP was submitted July 29th. See attached PDF

Meeting today 7/25/24 with Knute, Kim, Craig Tomlin, Alissa Wilson, Russ Bab and Jim Marinucci.

We reviewed the challenge and highlighted the issues with the T3121 software contract, notably the need for a custom agreement which likely makes new vendors unreachable at current expected price points. Alissa shared that a follow-up with Samsara (discovered via DOT) revealed a possible solution from them to meet the program needs which she is trying to confirm. Samsara shared their DOT contract M4014 which Jim M. is investigating for our use. Separately, the program will seek a hardware/data logger solution (that avoids the SaaS issues) and will try to start a trial of options through Rutgers. Knute will initiate a TIP around the Samsara solution.

Today Kim and I revisited some past off-line communications including Input from Peg Hanna on AT&T services for tracking EVs (see attached email and SAR docs). This may provide a streamlined procurement path if the marine specs can be met. Kim will invite Alissa to contact Melissa Evanego at Mobile sources to get a AT&T contact for exploring potential.

I will revisit a request to DOT (Joe Licari) about DOT tracking and possible vendors. UPDATE - Joe is out for an extended period so the request was sent to Neha Panchal. UPDATE 2 - Samsara was used by DOT GPS Fleet Tracking Software & Solutions | Samsara - shared this with program.

Craig had previously addressed the authority question in email 4/11/24:

The  DEP Commissioner  in consultation with the Council sets all the parameters around the fishery Via NJSA 50 and the Council also has been granted broad authority in NJAC 7:25A, so i would think this would fall under the authority of them as well as the Commissioner.  The more important part is that the Council asked for this because in several public meetings the Oyster Vessel owners have asked for it. Within the last year vessel trackers have been discussed with all vessel owners multiple times with no objection. The industry sees the benefit to this and have repeatedly asked for us and the Council to look into the technology.

As far as OPRA requests i do not think this data should be shared except with the vessel owner.  The information with the data we already collect could single out a particular person or vessel. If we could "clean" the data of vessel or unit identifiers, then you may be able to convince me that it could be shared with some entities outside of dep. 

discussed with Kim at 1 on1 today. She will check in with Craig and Alissa on any recent discussions with vendors and we can bring that back to refresh the conversation exploring potential procurement pathways with Jim M. and Grace.

Emails on initial interest and procurement considerations…

From: Jensen, Knute [DEP] <Knute.Jensen@dep.nj.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:15 PM
To: Marinucci, James [DEP] <James.Marinucci@dep.nj.gov>; Yuan, Grace [DEP] <Grace.Yuan@dep.nj.gov>; Wilson, Alissa [DEP] <Alissa.Wilson@dep.nj.gov>; Witcher, Angela [DEP] <Angela.Witcher@dep.nj.gov>; Jaegers, Kurt [DEP] <Kurt.Jaegers@dep.nj.gov>
Cc: Tomlin, Craig [DEP] <Craig.Tomlin@dep.nj.gov>; Springer, Kim [DEP] <Kim.Springer@dep.nj.gov>
Subject: RE: web-based platform access question

Hello,

Yes, an IT project sheet is a good place to start. 

I certainly understand the interest and the value this would bring and that the described technology is deployed readily in countless instances worldwide.    

I just want to caution that Kim has a non-trivial task of placing this need within the context of a recently identified set of  up to a dozen IT projects for F&W as well as confirming the authorities, requirements agreements and abilities as needed to follow-through with the intended information application.  In most instances where rule changes are needed along with technology, we want to get to a point of high certainty before bringing the technology to bear.   An added angle on this is to consider any information security or restrictions that might otherwise clash with OPRA rules and whether rule adjustments might be need to clarify any security or access concerns. This doesn’t mean that this can’t proceed, especially in some areas of further research or vendor certification as we consider all the angles. 

-Knute   

Knute Jensen

Project Coordinator

Division of Information Technology

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Knute.jensen@dep.nj.gov

mobile (609) 575-4145

NOTE: This E-mail is protected by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Sections 2510-2521. This E-Mail and its contents, may be Privileged & Confidential due to the Attorney-Client Privilege, Attorney Work Product, and Deliberative Process or under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please notify the sender, delete it and do not read, act upon, print, disclose, copy, retain or redistribute it

From: Marinucci, James [DEP] <James.Marinucci@dep.nj.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:37 PM
To: Yuan, Grace [DEP] <Grace.Yuan@dep.nj.gov>; Wilson, Alissa [DEP] <Alissa.Wilson@dep.nj.gov>; Witcher, Angela [DEP] <Angela.Witcher@dep.nj.gov>; Jaegers, Kurt [DEP] <Kurt.Jaegers@dep.nj.gov>
Cc: Tomlin, Craig [DEP] <Craig.Tomlin@dep.nj.gov>; Jensen, Knute [DEP] <Knute.Jensen@dep.nj.gov>; Springer, Kim [DEP] <Kim.Springer@dep.nj.gov>
Subject: RE: web-based platform access question

Hi Alissa,

This type of system will take a significant amount of time to obtain the required approvals before a PO can be cut.  Because the data to be collected would reside in the cloud, this system would be considered “Software as a Service” or SaaS.  The contract we use to purchase SaaS solutions (T3121 – Software Reseller Services) requires SaaS service providers to obtain what is called a “Custom Agreement.”  Section 4.0 of the attached document provides some detail on what this process entails.  It includes a technology review by OIT and a legal review by Division of Purchase and Property (DPP) in Treasury.  Most importantly, the service provider must be willing to participate in this process as lengthy negotiations between the service provider and OIT/DPP may be required.

I ask that you review the information at https://intranet.dep.state.nj.us/depnet/doit/it_projects/ as it appears this request will be classified as an IT project, and it is important to understand how DOIT handles IT projects.  I am copying Knute Jensen (DOIT’s Project Coordinator) and Kim Springer (F&W’s Leadership Technology Coordinator) to make them aware of this request.  Knute will likely ask you to complete an IT Project Sheet, which can be found by clicking on the relevant link at https://intranet.dep.state.nj.us/depnet/doit/it_projects/#Starting_an_IT_Project.  A completed Project Sheet would provide DOIT a better understanding of the project and will allow DOIT to better assist you through this process.

Due to the lengthy negotiations that usually occur as part of the Custom Agreement review process, OIT advises agencies to allow 4-6 months after receipt of a complete intake package for them to complete their review.  Several months may be needed for the service provider to submit the documents needed for the package.  That said, Page 10 of the attached document details a process for obtaining an “exception” to the Custom Agreement process.  An exception would greatly speed the process, but DOIT would need to better understand the project better (likely via an IT Project Sheet) to determine if that path is viable. 

Knute – Please advise if a Project Sheet is needed.  If there’s anything you’d like to add, please feel free to do so. 

Thanks, Jim M.

James Marinucci
NJDEP - Division of Information Technology
401 E. State St., 1st Floor
Mail Code 401-01
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
609-633-8144 609-940-5537 (new number!)
609-292-7900 (fax)
james.marinucci@dep.nj.gov

From: Yuan, Grace [DEP] <Grace.Yuan@dep.nj.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:55 PM
To: Wilson, Alissa [DEP] <Alissa.Wilson@dep.nj.gov>; Witcher, Angela [DEP] <Angela.Witcher@dep.nj.gov>; Jaegers, Kurt [DEP] <Kurt.Jaegers@dep.nj.gov>
Cc: Tomlin, Craig [DEP] <Craig.Tomlin@dep.nj.gov>; Marinucci, James [DEP] <James.Marinucci@dep.nj.gov>
Subject: FW: web-based platform access question
Importance: High

Adding Angela Witcher, Kurt Jaegers, and copying Jim Marinucci for their input.

Grace Yuan

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Information Technology (DOIT)

401 East State Street—1^st Floor, Trenton, NJ 08625

(Cell) 609-575-3688   

From: Wilson, Alissa [DEP] <Alissa.Wilson@dep.nj.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:02 PM
To: Yuan, Grace [DEP] <Grace.Yuan@dep.nj.gov>
Cc: Tomlin, Craig [DEP] <Craig.Tomlin@dep.nj.gov>
Subject: web-based platform access question

Good Afternoon Grace,

Our council has requested that tracking units be put on the oyster fleet to more effectively manage, monitor and enhance the areas being fished by the fleet.  This would entail GPS trackers being placed on the vessels and ultimately, us at the Delaware Bay office, being given access to the data so that enhancement efforts will be focused on the exact areas actually being fished rather than the current manner which is we are given the much broader name of the oyster bed being fished.  It will be like going from saying I work in New Jersey to I work on State Street in Trenton, NJ.  The trackers that are being looked at, all have web-based platforms and we wanted to make sure there would be no issues in accessing the data.  Each platform is accessed through the companies website and requires a username and password which will be provided to us.  The companies are:

• Lonestar Tracking - https://fleetone.lonestartracking.com/new/

• GPS and Track - https://www.gpsandfleet.io/gpsandfleet/client_login.php?r=8089

• Americaloc - https://track.americaloc.com/AMERICALOC/index.jsp?unknownUserLang=en&ap=1

I have provided the links to their login pages in case that would make things easier.  We just want to makes sure that it will not be a problem to access the data collected by the trackers from any of the companies being looked at. 

Thank you,
~Alissa