Computer Aided Mass Appraisal System Replacement Consultant (Remote/Hybrid)

Computer Aided Mass Appraisal System Replacement Consultant
(Remote)

Location:
Ada County Procurement
200 W. Front St.
Boise, Idaho 83702

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship
• Clearance Requirements: Tier 1 Background Investigation - National Agency Check with Law and fingerprints. (Standard Form 85)
• Type of Employment: 40 hours per week
• Period of Performance: Two to Three Years
• Estimate Pay: $85,000-95,000/year (Negotiable)

Background:
Ada County is seeking to improve the efficiency and accuracy of our property tax management processes due to increasing complexities and volume of property data. Several Ada County offices utilize the Countys Property Tax System (PTS), an IBM i-Series AS400 database with Plex applications offering read/write access for data-management. This implementation of database software was customized in-house in the late 1990s and implemented in 2000. This system is heavily relied upon by the Assessor, Treasurer, Auditor, Information Technology (IT), Commissioners, and Trash Billing Services for multiple functions. These include retention of property records, calculation of property valuations, maintenance and update of parcel ownership records, tax billing and collection, property assessment and exemption appeals, trash billing, management of taxing districts and levy rates, and providing mechanisms to meet statutory reporting requirements for certification of all tax assessment rolls.

Overview:
Ada County located in Boise, Idaho is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to assist with the creation of a strategy that will allow for the management of the hundreds of thousands of parcels more efficiently as well as increase transparency and ease of use for the public. Ada County officials need assistance in setting a long-term strategy for what the future of assessment and tax collection will be for Ada County.

In Phase 1 of the Project, the consultant will be tasked with evaluating current processes, software, and systems, and providing a detailed reporting of recommendations for development or acquisition of replacement solutions to streamline, modernize, and otherwise improve property tax assessment, appeals, billing, and reporting processes. Consultant shall prepare a cost estimate for replacement solutions and deliver to County no later than February 15, 2025. Should County, in its discretion, determine to proceed with consultants recommendations,

Phase 2 of the Project shall consist of the consultant developing a detailed scope of work for an RFP based on analysis of Ada County needs and requirements, assisting with review and evaluation of vendor proposals, coordinating vendor interviews and demonstrations, and supporting the County with any final solution selection.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Real Estate, or a related field.
• Proven experience with mass appraisal systems and property valuation processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., CAMA systems, GIS, SQL).

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with specific mass appraisal software (e.g., Tyler Technologies, Vision Government Solutions).
• Certification in property appraisal or related fields.
• Knowledge of local property tax laws and regulations.

Summary of Phase 1 Duties/Responsibilities:

• Evaluate current property tax software systems, workflows, and processes.
• Identify pain points, inefficiencies, and other opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend suitable property tax software or development solutions.
• Participate in the RFP development and vendor selection process.

Phase 1: Current State and Needs Assessment:

• Based on initial discussions, provide a rough magnitude of cost for initial capital outlay, for a computer aided mass appraisal system, comparable to other counties of similar size and similar workflow as Ada County. This costing is paramount to begin preparation for the FY 2026 Budget.
  • The costing is due to the County no later than February 15, 2025.
  • Annual cost thereafter for ongoing hardware and software maintenance and support.
• Conduct interviews with key project stakeholders.
• Gather information and document the current state of Ada County's appraisal system.
• Conduct analysis of current system and note strengths and weaknesses.
  • Gap Analysis
  • Functional Analysis
  • Comparative Analysis
• Identify needs, wants and wishes and prioritize requirements into a functional requirements document
• Review County's project plan and budget including, but not limited to:
  • Objective and deliverable timeline
  • Resource requirement analysis and resource plan
  • Project budget forecast and projections
• Provide a written report and recommendation of top solutions, including but not limited to:
  • Hardware and software requirements
  • Fit/gap analysis and/or pro and con matrix
  • Ongoing budget requirements
  • Life expectancy of the solution
  • Staffing analysis for implementing and maintaining each solution
  • Evaluate the feasibility to migrate data from the current system
  • Evaluate integration capabilities with other existing systems
  • Approach and strategy for implementation
    • Including timeline for implementation
  • Ongoing maintenance requirements and costs

Summary of Phase 2 Duties/Responsibilities:
Participate in the RFP development and vendor selection process.

Optional Phase 2: RFP Development and Vendor Selection:

• Based on information gathered in Phase 1 and should the County in its discretion determine to proceed with Phase 2, develop a detailed scope of work, questionnaire matrix, evaluation criteria suggestions, interview and demonstration phase, for the development of an RFP for a new Computer Aided Mass Appraisal System.
  • Draft a scope of work for the RFP based on analysis of Ada County needs and requirements.
• Assist with review and evaluation of vendor proposals.
• Coordinate vendor interviews and demonstrations for top solutions using County's key requirements.
• Support County with final solution selection.
  • Written analysis of evaluation and interviews that culminate to a recommendation for a number one ranked proposer.

REQUIRED DELIVERABLES/TASKS:
The tasks to be completed under this scope of work are as follows:

• Assessment: Review current property tax software, workflows and processes, tools, and pain points. Identify areas of potential improvements or areas of inefficiencies.
• Requirements Gathering: Conduct workshops or interviews with key stakeholders to define software requirements.
• Software Evaluation: Research and evaluate potential property tax software or development solutions based on defined requirements.
• Recommendation Report: Provide a detailed report with recommendations for the most suitable software or development solutions.

Consultants Responsibilities: 

• Deliver high-quality evaluations and recommendations based on industry best practices. 
• Address any issues promptly and effectively.

County's Responsibilities: 

• Provide access to existing property tax management systems and relevant data. 
• Facilitate meetings and workshops with stakeholders as needed. 
• Designate a project manager or point of contact for coordination.

Performance Standards: 

• Quality: The consultant must deliver work that meets the agreed-upon specifications and industry standards.
• Review: Deliverables will be reviewed and approved by the County.

Confidentiality and Security:

• Confidential Information: The consultant must maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information.
• Data Security: The consultant must adhere to relevant data protection laws and ensure data security throughout the project.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Competitive Compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental and vision options.
• Outstanding career growth potential.

ABOUT US:

Fidelity Partners is a Inc. 5000, USA company that provides medical, technical, logistical, and administrative services to the federal government and commercial Clients across the country. Fidelity offers competitive salaries and benefits packages.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to learn more about us at www.fidelitypartners.org or call us at (210) 822-4005 or Join our Team

Fidelity Partners provides equal employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or in accordance with applicable federal state, and local laws (EoE).