Azure Data Platform Design and Implementation

Background
The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is seeking proposals for the Azure Data Platform Design and Implementation project. The goal of this initiative is to establish robust capabilities for data-driven decision-making across various domains, including socioeconomic forecasting, transportation planning, environmental analysis, and workforce development. This project aims to address challenges in scaling AI initiatives, optimizing visualization tools, and streamlining reporting processes.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for designing and implementing an Azure-based data platform that includes:

- Incorporating Azure Data Lake Storage and Azure Synapse Analytics.
- Building secure, scalable, and high-performance data ingestion pipelines from both on-premises and cloud sources.
- Developing data models and ETL/ELT solutions optimized for performance within the Azure ecosystem.
- Collaborating with H-GAC’s Business Intelligence (BI), Data Science, and Cloud teams to deliver a unified data lake and analytics platform.
- Establishing governance practices for security, data quality, lineage, and monitoring in the Azure environment.
- Facilitating knowledge transfer through training sessions for existing Data Services teams.
- Integrating the new data environment with downstream BI tools such as Power BI.

Deliverables include:

A. Setup of Azure BI/AI cloud environment.
B. Consolidation of multiple SQL database sources into Azure Data Lakehouse.
C. Implementation of Medallion Architecture (Bronze, Silver, Gold layers).
D. Building automated ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory.
E. Enforcing data governance and security measures including RBAC and compliance policies.
F. Making curated data available for BI tools (Power BI, Excel).
G. Providing a training plan and supporting documentation.
H. Setting up observability and cost monitoring mechanisms.

Period of Performance
The contract period will be specified in the subsequent contract awarded but may include options for renewal at intervals beneficial to H-GAC.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed at H-GAC offices located at 3555 Timmons Ln, Houston, TX 77027.

Bidder Requirements
Respondents must demonstrate qualifications including relevant licenses or registrations. Additionally, there is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 25% participation (30% for Workforce/Aging projects). Respondents must ensure that small and minority businesses are included in their proposals as potential subcontractors.