Colorado Dominion Document
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State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION
Personal information has been redacted
Prepared by: Steven Bennett, Regional Sales Manager Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015 5 pm MT
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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Letter of Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3 1) Preliminary Project Schedule .............................................................................................. 5
Letter of Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3 1) Preliminary Project Schedule .............................................................................................. 5
Project Management Communication ................................................................................. 5 Proposed Project Plan ........................................................................................................ 5 Certification ........................................................................................................................16 Procurement ......................................................................................................................16 Configuration, Installation, Testing and Training ................................................................16 2016 Primary Election Implementation ...............................................................................18 2016 General Election Implementation ..............................................................................20 Problem Escalation Procedure...........................................................................................21 2) Proposed Staffing ..............................................................................................................23 Dominion Colorado Project Team ......................................................................................23 Staff Qualifications.............................................................................................................24 3) Updated Schedule of Activities in Other Jurisdictions ........................................................28 (a) Jurisdictions in which provider has deployed the temporarily approved (or a
Project Management Communication ................................................................................. 5 Proposed Project Plan ........................................................................................................ 5 Certification ........................................................................................................................16 Procurement ......................................................................................................................16 Configuration, Installation, Testing and Training ................................................................16 2016 Primary Election Implementation ...............................................................................18 2016 General Election Implementation ..............................................................................20 Problem Escalation Procedure...........................................................................................21 2) Proposed Staffing ..............................................................................................................23 Dominion Colorado Project Team ......................................................................................23 Staff Qualifications.............................................................................................................24 3) Updated Schedule of Activities in Other Jurisdictions ........................................................28 (a) Jurisdictions in which provider has deployed the temporarily approved (or a
substantially similar) voting system.............................................................................28 References ........................................................................................................................28 Democracy Suite Customers..............................................................................................29 (b) Jurisdictions in which provider has contractually committed to deploy voting system(s)
substantially similar) voting system.............................................................................28 References ........................................................................................................................28 Democracy Suite Customers..............................................................................................29 (b) Jurisdictions in which provider has contractually committed to deploy voting system(s)
in 2016-2020 ..............................................................................................................32 (c) Jurisdictions in which provider has an outstanding offer but has not yet contracted to
in 2016-2020 ..............................................................................................................32 (c) Jurisdictions in which provider has an outstanding offer but has not yet contracted to
deploy voting system(s) in 2016-2020. .......................................................................33
deploy voting system(s) in 2016-2020. .......................................................................33
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
Letter of Introduction
Letter of Introduction
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To Members of the Colorado Pilot Election Review Committee:
To Members of the Colorado Pilot Election Review Committee:
Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. ("Dominion") welcomes the opportunity to present our staffing and implementation plan for the State of Colorado, for consideration as the Uniform Voting System (UVS) provider.
Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. ("Dominion") welcomes the opportunity to present our staffing and implementation plan for the State of Colorado, for consideration as the Uniform Voting System (UVS) provider.
Peace of mind comes with knowing that a professional project team with dedicated resources is assigned from beginning through completion of the implementation. The State of Colorado will benefit from Dominion's years of product installation and project management experience that is unmatched in the election industry. Our Colorado project team includes some of Dominion's most experienced team members - professionals with ample experience and understanding of system implementations, best project management practices, training methodologies, and a passion for customer service.
Peace of mind comes with knowing that a professional project team with dedicated resources is assigned from beginning through completion of the implementation. The State of Colorado will benefit from Dominion's years of product installation and project management experience that is unmatched in the election industry. Our Colorado project team includes some of Dominion's most experienced team members - professionals with ample experience and understanding of system implementations, best project management practices, training methodologies, and a passion for customer service.
The Dominion project management methodology has been developed through years of experience implementing both large and small voting solutions by individuals who know and understand elections. As an established election provider in the United States, we have a diverse customer base with jurisdictions in 18 states that have successfully implemented our Democracy Suite®1 system, including the States of California, Louisiana, New Mexico, and 52 counties in New York. Best practices and lessons learned from each project have refined our approach and have been incorporated at each stage of the methodology, including our most recent pilots in the City and County of Denver and Mesa County. We are keenly aware of the realities involved and what it takes to make a smooth transition to a new voting system platform, as well as ample experience to ensure the success of all of Colorado's counties.
The Dominion project management methodology has been developed through years of experience implementing both large and small voting solutions by individuals who know and understand elections. As an established election provider in the United States, we have a diverse customer base with jurisdictions in 18 states that have successfully implemented our Democracy Suite®1 system, including the States of California, Louisiana, New Mexico, and 52 counties in New York. Best practices and lessons learned from each project have refined our approach and have been incorporated at each stage of the methodology, including our most recent pilots in the City and County of Denver and Mesa County. We are keenly aware of the realities involved and what it takes to make a smooth transition to a new voting system platform, as well as ample experience to ensure the success of all of Colorado's counties.
Dominion's project management approach is based on open communication with our customers at all times. We will work closely with the counties and the State to include their input throughout all stages of the project plan and establish effective Problem Escalation Procedures to address potential issues successfully. One of the most important things that we do as a company is to always listen to our customer's needs. We value an open, honest relationship with our customers, and we take every opportunity to act on their feedback and respond in a timely manner.
Dominion's project management approach is based on open communication with our customers at all times. We will work closely with the counties and the State to include their input throughout all stages of the project plan and establish effective Problem Escalation Procedures to address potential issues successfully. One of the most important things that we do as a company is to always listen to our customer's needs. We value an open, honest relationship with our customers, and we take every opportunity to act on their feedback and respond in a timely manner.
Our proposed project plan for the State of Colorado manages timelines for all key milestones, deliverables, training, Election Day support and post-election support for the 24 Colorado counties planning to transition in 2016. We understand the service needs of large and small counties will be different given our support of both large and small Colorado counties today. We are familiar not only with the unique needs of our current customers, but also with the legislative and electoral environment in Colorado. Over the past thirty years, Dominion personnel have worked with Colorado counties of all sizes, giving us a sophisticated understanding of how to deliver a uniform elections solution.
Our proposed project plan for the State of Colorado manages timelines for all key milestones, deliverables, training, Election Day support and post-election support for the 24 Colorado counties planning to transition in 2016. We understand the service needs of large and small counties will be different given our support of both large and small Colorado counties today. We are familiar not only with the unique needs of our current customers, but also with the legislative and electoral environment in Colorado. Over the past thirty years, Dominion personnel have worked with Colorado counties of all sizes, giving us a sophisticated understanding of how to deliver a uniform elections solution.
Colorado is Dominion's home state. Most of our proposed project staff are based in Colorado, and have a sincere desire to support the counties in which they live and work. Our corporate
Colorado is Dominion's home state. Most of our proposed project staff are based in Colorado, and have a sincere desire to support the counties in which they live and work. Our corporate
1 Democracy Suite is a registered trademark of Dominion Voting Systems.
1 Democracy Suite is a registered trademark of Dominion Voting Systems.
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State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
headquarters are based in Denver, which will become an essential home base of infrastructure and support for any future implementations in the state. As a Colorado based company that spends millions of dollars on salaries and expenses in state, your investment in our growth will be repaid with excellent products, local services and experience, Colorado job creation, increased tax revenue, and other benefits that can only come from "buying" local.
headquarters are based in Denver, which will become an essential home base of infrastructure and support for any future implementations in the state. As a Colorado based company that spends millions of dollars on salaries and expenses in state, your investment in our growth will be repaid with excellent products, local services and experience, Colorado job creation, increased tax revenue, and other benefits that can only come from "buying" local.
We firmly believe that we have the technology, resources and capacity to become Colorado's Uniform Voting System provider, and ensure the best pathway to your continued success. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with each Colorado County Clerk and their staff. We are determined and committed to meet your every challenge. This is who we are. This is the Power of Partnership.
We firmly believe that we have the technology, resources and capacity to become Colorado's Uniform Voting System provider, and ensure the best pathway to your continued success. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with each Colorado County Clerk and their staff. We are determined and committed to meet your every challenge. This is who we are. This is the Power of Partnership.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at (909) 362-1715 or via email at steven.bennett@dominionvoting.com.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at
email at
.
or via
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Steven Bennett Regional Sales Manager
Regional Sales Manager
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
1) Preliminary Project Schedule
1) Preliminary Project Schedule
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At the time of the original RFP, the exact number of initial UVS counties was not known. For that reason, Section 5.3.12 of the original RFP requested you to provide a preliminary project schedule and staffing plan for a "large Colorado Target County...." Since the original RFP, the committee surveyed all Colorado counties and has determined that, at this juncture, 24 counties tentatively plan to convert to the new voting system before the June 28, 2016 Primary Election. Please update the preliminary project schedule and staffing plan submitted with your original RFP response, to show how your organization will support the transition of the 24 counties before the 2016 Primary Election, giving due regard to the certification application and testing schedule set forth in the attached UVS timeline.
At the time of the original RFP, the exact number of initial UVS counties was not known. For that reason, Section 5.3.12 of the original RFP requested you to provide a preliminary project schedule and staffing plan for a "large Colorado Target County...." Since the original RFP, the committee surveyed all Colorado counties and has determined that, at this juncture, 24 counties tentatively plan to convert to the new voting system before the June 28, 2016 Primary Election. Please update the preliminary project schedule and staffing plan submitted with your original RFP response, to show how your organization will support the transition of the 24 counties before the 2016 Primary Election, giving due regard to the certification application and testing schedule set forth in the attached UVS timeline.
Project Management Communication
Project Management Communication
Dominion subscribes to a collaborative management approach, where transparency, frankness, and open communications drive our projects. The key aspects to effective management are planning and control processes. Through experience in several state installations, we have developed comprehensive project plans, and we implement controls to maintain schedules and quality standards.
Dominion subscribes to a collaborative management approach, where transparency, frankness, and open communications drive our projects. The key aspects to effective management are planning and control processes. Through experience in several state installations, we have developed comprehensive project plans, and we implement controls to maintain schedules and quality standards.
Throughout the project lifecycle, our State Project Manager (PM) will coordinate with Colorado counties to deliver exceptional management performance and high-quality products in support of the project objectives. There will be monthly status reports and during review of the status reports, Colorado counties and Dominion will determine if adjustments are needed to ensure process and project improvements are captured.
Throughout the project lifecycle, our State Project Manager (PM) will coordinate with Colorado counties to deliver exceptional management performance and high-quality products in support of the project objectives. There will be monthly status reports and during review of the status reports, Colorado counties and Dominion will determine if adjustments are needed to ensure process and project improvements are captured.
Dominion management and the PM will perform the monthly project review, in order to provide tactical communication and transparency across the project and within the corporate structure. It is also an opportunity to promote innovation, table new ideas, and deliver professional support to the PM. The agenda for this meeting includes a review of the proposed schedule and assessment of progress on deliverables. Potential issues will be reviewed, and Dominion management will provide guidance on mitigation approaches.
Dominion management and the PM will perform the monthly project review, in order to provide tactical communication and transparency across the project and within the corporate structure. It is also an opportunity to promote innovation, table new ideas, and deliver professional support to the PM. The agenda for this meeting includes a review of the proposed schedule and assessment of progress on deliverables. Potential issues will be reviewed, and Dominion management will provide guidance on mitigation approaches.
In addition to formal monthly and independent corporate reviews, informal daily contact will help to keep Colorado counties abreast of all contract and task activities, performance levels, and issues. Open communication between the customer and the PM will allow issues to be raised, addressed, and mitigated. This feedback loop expedites issue resolution and the development of mutually agreed upon mitigation approaches, thus increasing customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
In addition to formal monthly and independent corporate reviews, informal daily contact will help to keep Colorado counties abreast of all contract and task activities, performance levels, and issues. Open communication between the customer and the PM will allow issues to be raised, addressed, and mitigated. This feedback loop expedites issue resolution and the development of mutually agreed upon mitigation approaches, thus increasing customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
Proposed Project Plan
Proposed Project Plan
The State of Colorado requires a comprehensive workplan based on well-established principles of project management. The structure of the plan includes key milestones, which allow the State of Colorado to see tangible progress.
The State of Colorado requires a comprehensive workplan based on well-established principles of project management. The structure of the plan includes key milestones, which allow the State of Colorado to see tangible progress.
Dominion has designed the State of Colorado workplan based on the following:
Dominion has designed the State of Colorado workplan based on the following:
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State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
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1) Dominion's workplan adheres to PMBOK standards and practices. 2) It is developed using MS Project and will be monitored/reported by using MS Project. 3) It is designed with key milestones (clear tangible deliverables) that are designed to
1) Dominion's workplan adheres to PMBOK standards and practices. 2) It is developed using MS Project and will be monitored/reported by using MS Project. 3) It is designed with key milestones (clear tangible deliverables) that are designed to
mitigate risk to the extent possible. 4) Tasks are focused on accomplishing specific objectives. 5) The work breakdown structure is a logical progression of steps, activities, and
mitigate risk to the extent possible. 4) Tasks are focused on accomplishing specific objectives. 5) The work breakdown structure is a logical progression of steps, activities, and
subtasks that lead to tangible work products or deliverables. 6) Our plan provides Colorado counties with visibility into the tasks and schedule. 7) Our plan incorporates Dominion's prior experience in successfully implementing
subtasks that lead to tangible work products or deliverables. 6) Our plan provides Colorado counties with visibility into the tasks and schedule. 7) Our plan incorporates Dominion's prior experience in successfully implementing
voting systems. 8) Our workplan is achievable and will be used to manage specific deadlines.
voting systems. 8) Our workplan is achievable and will be used to manage specific deadlines.
The proposed project workplan is based on our current understanding of project requirements from the UVS timeline provided and it draws from our extensive, real world implementation experience. This proposed project workplan and schedule will be adjusted in consultation with individual counties to establish the "baseline" plan.
The proposed project workplan is based on our current understanding of project requirements from the UVS timeline provided and it draws from our extensive, real world implementation experience. This proposed project workplan and schedule will be adjusted in consultation with individual counties to establish the "baseline" plan.
Dominion's PM will closely follow the Colorado approved MS Project plan to identify variance that may indicate a problem. The PM will follow the Problem Escalation Process (PEP), provided after the project plan description, to report variances and propose mitigation actions. Additionally, the PM will update the plan on a weekly basis and provide Colorado counties with a monthly summary of project status reports and meetings. The task dependencies, resources, and critical path are available by viewing the plan in MS Project (provided in the electronic submission).
Dominion's PM will closely follow the Colorado approved MS Project plan to identify variance that may indicate a problem. The PM will follow the Problem Escalation Process (PEP), provided after the project plan description, to report variances and propose mitigation actions. Additionally, the PM will update the plan on a weekly basis and provide Colorado counties with a monthly summary of project status reports and meetings. The task dependencies, resources, and critical path are available by viewing the plan in MS Project (provided in the electronic submission).
As noted above, the following project workplan is based on our current understanding of project requirements and key implementation dates. Therefore it will need to be revised in consultation with Colorado counties, in line with best practices outlined in the PMBOK. Until finalized, it should be considered draft and used for discussion purposes.
As noted above, the following project workplan is based on our current understanding of project requirements and key implementation dates. Therefore it will need to be revised in consultation with Colorado counties, in line with best practices outlined in the PMBOK. Until finalized, it should be considered draft and used for discussion purposes.
Project Implementation will be divided into the following five stages: Certification, Procurement and Logistics; Configuration, Installation, Training and Testing; 2016 Primary Election and; 2016 General Election.
Project Implementation will be divided into the following five stages: Certification, Procurement and Logistics; Configuration, Installation, Training and Testing; 2016 Primary Election and; 2016 General Election.
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Dominion shall participate and comply with all items prescribed by the UVS committee for certification including:
Deadline for finalist to file Applications for Certification with State Elections Division Voting Systems Team, together with Technical Data Package (TDP) consisting of all system documentation, prior certifications and test reports: 1/19/2016
Completion of documentation review: 1/26/2016
Prepare and finalize Test Plan Agreement, if final system differs from system temporarily authorized: 1/29/2016
Complete supplemental testing, if necessary: 2/15/2016
Certification of system, issuance of conditions of use (if any), and county authorization to purchase: 3/1/2016
As part of the implementation cycle, Dominion will continue to solicit feedback from our customers, including our Colorado counties. This feedback loop will feed back into our development cycle, and as we develop additional features and improvements, these will be put back into certification working with the State.
Procurement will be conducted in a manner that allows the coordination of supplies and consumables to be shipped directly to each county. During the procurement phase of the project, all of the commercial off the shelf components used in our election system are purchased.
While it would be preferable for all parties to identify final quantities of all supplies and consumables required for Election Day on the initial contract, provision in the project plan has been made to allow incremental orders to be placed following change management processes.
System Configuration
The Dominion Voting Democracy Suite Election Management System (EMS) is a configurable election system that can be adapted to meet the needs of any jurisdiction. The initial steps in each installation involve working closely with the county to ensure that the system is deployed in a manner that meets all jurisdiction requirements. The following steps are required:
Create Election Data Import Bridge In this series of steps, Dominion works with the IT professional responsible for the creation and maintenance of SCORE to create a bridge that allows the direct import of jurisdictional data into the Democracy Suite EMS. This step
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dramatically increases the speed and accuracy of the creation of the election database within the Democracy Suite EMS. As a result, election divisions, contests, candidate names, propositions and other essential data will be inputted only once, reducing the likelihood of user error. Normally several iterations are required, and some manual data adjustment may be required.
dramatically increases the speed and accuracy of the creation of the election database within the Democracy Suite EMS. As a result, election divisions, contests, candidate names, propositions and other essential data will be inputted only once, reducing the likelihood of user error. Normally several iterations are required, and some manual data adjustment may be required.
Tiers 1.4, 2 and 3 counties will have the option to use Dominion staff for database creation in our Colorado local office on equipment that has had the trusted build installed by the Secretary of State staff.
Tiers 1.4, 2 and 3 counties will have the option to use Dominion staff for database creation in our Colorado local office on equipment that has had the trusted build installed by the Secretary of State staff.
Customization of Configurable Options Basic compliance with the requirements will have been demonstrated in the certification of the Democracy Suite line of products; however additional customization may be required. During this stage, final input and approval on ballot layouts, reports content, and the configuration of the options to the ImageCast®2 Central and ImageCastX may be requested. This step takes place at the same time that the data import bridge is created.
Customization of Configurable Options Basic compliance with the requirements will have been demonstrated in the certification of the Democracy Suite line of products; however additional customization may be required. During this stage, final input and approval on ballot layouts, reports content, and the configuration of the options to the ImageCast®2 Central and ImageCastX may be requested. This step takes place at the same time that the data import bridge is created.
Create Audio Ballot Production Process Dominion understands the importance of generating accurate and easily understood audio ballots. As part of the initial configuration process and during the election cycle, Dominion and the counties will leverage existing processes, tools and systems to generate audio ballots.
Create Audio Ballot Production Process Dominion understands the importance of generating accurate and easily understood audio ballots. As part of the initial configuration process and during the election cycle, Dominion and the counties will leverage existing processes, tools and systems to generate audio ballots.
Staging and Logistics
Staging and Logistics
Dominion deliveries take place on a continuous basis. In this way, the acceptance process can operate in a just-in-time basis, thus minimizing the need to handle equipment twice, and reducing the burden and disruption to the acceptance test process during the scheduled delivery dates.
Dominion deliveries take place on a continuous basis. In this way, the acceptance process can operate in a just-in-time basis, thus minimizing the need to handle equipment twice, and reducing the burden and disruption to the acceptance test process during the scheduled delivery dates.
At the same time, delivery of the IT hardware and central count scanning system will take place. This allows Dominion technicians to begin installation of election servers in parallel with equipment acceptance. In this way, counties will have the benefit of being able to work with the complete election system immediately upon delivery of the tabulators.
At the same time, delivery of the IT hardware and central count scanning system will take place. This allows Dominion technicians to begin installation of election servers in parallel with equipment acceptance. In this way, counties will have the benefit of being able to work with the complete election system immediately upon delivery of the tabulators.
Installation and Acceptance Testing
Installation and Acceptance Testing
Preparation for Acceptance Testing - A Dominion technical lead will provide guidelines to the counties for acceptance testing and coordinate dates with the Secretary of State staff for trusted build installation. This includes assessing suitability and identifying any modifications required, identifying areas for each process including a secure area for inventory control, preparing necessary acceptance documentation, and ensuring all necessary supplies are available.
Preparation for Acceptance Testing - A Dominion technical lead will provide guidelines to the counties for acceptance testing and coordinate dates with the Secretary of State staff for trusted build installation. This includes assessing suitability and identifying any modifications required, identifying areas for each process including a secure area for inventory control, preparing necessary acceptance documentation, and ensuring all necessary supplies are available.
Acceptance Testing Dominion and county staff will conduct detailed acceptance testing of the voting equipment. This acceptance testing provides assurance of full product functionality. Acceptance testing is an essential part of the Dominion quality assurance process. While it is our goal that all election equipment arrive to the county in perfect condition, it is normal to see a
Acceptance Testing Dominion and county staff will conduct detailed acceptance testing of the voting equipment. This acceptance testing provides assurance of full product functionality. Acceptance testing is an essential part of the Dominion quality assurance process. While it is our goal that all election equipment arrive to the county in perfect condition, it is normal to see a
2 ImageCast is a registered trademark of Dominion Voting Systems.
2 ImageCast is a registered trademark of Dominion Voting Systems.
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State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
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small number of issues that may fail initial acceptance. A Dominion employee will be on-site during the tabulator acceptance test process to assist, answer questions, troubleshoot, and where necessary complete minor adjustments.
small number of issues that may fail initial acceptance. A Dominion employee will be on-site during the tabulator acceptance test process to assist, answer questions, troubleshoot, and where necessary complete minor adjustments.
Installation of EMS IT Servers will be procured and shipped to Dominion's Denver office where the servers will be prepared for the trusted build installation of the EMS system software.
Installation of EMS IT Servers will be procured and shipped to Dominion's Denver office where the servers will be prepared for the trusted build installation of the EMS system software.
Training
Training
At Dominion, our training methodology focuses on providing election administration staff the necessary knowledge for successful implementation and effective operation of our voting system. We accomplish this through tailored training, using various training formats, implementing adult learning principles, and proper course pacing. Training customization begins with tailoring our courses to a specific jurisdiction's needs. For example, for those counties that will rely on Dominion to provide election services, such as building the voting system database, the training curriculum will only focus on the aspects of the system pertaining to how they will deploy it. Counties that will be doing their own election programming will be trained on how to do so using the Democracy Suite EMS. Another aspect of the customization is using different formats for training, including instructor-led classes in person, and instructor-led classes online.
At Dominion, our training methodology focuses on providing election administration staff the necessary knowledge for successful implementation and effective operation of our voting system. We accomplish this through tailored training, using various training formats, implementing adult learning principles, and proper course pacing. Training customization begins with tailoring our courses to a specific jurisdiction's needs. For example, for those counties that will rely on Dominion to provide election services, such as building the voting system database, the training curriculum will only focus on the aspects of the system pertaining to how they will deploy it. Counties that will be doing their own election programming will be trained on how to do so using the Democracy Suite EMS. Another aspect of the customization is using different formats for training, including instructor-led classes in person, and instructor-led classes online.
Tier 1.1 counties will have their own county project managers that will be dedicated to their accounts. This is based on the size of the jurisdiction and need for a more intimate approach dealing with larger staff. Often, election preparation schedules prevent the delivery of training at the optimal time for retention on Election Day. This can be particularly apparent in small counties, where a very limited team is responsible for all election related activities. To that end, Dominion proposes a regional training program for all other tiered counties where regional project managers will be dedicated to multiple counties. All counties regardless of size will have a technical project manager, product specialist(s), documentation & training specialist(s), voter outreach and a networking hardware specialist. Training for the regional accounts will be combined which allows questions and concerns from multiple counties to be heard. This will facilitate ideas on how our training program can work best for each county, and allow trainees to discuss concerns with the implementation that can help all involved. This type of training does not affect VSPC or election night support requirements for each individual county.
Tier 1.1 counties will have their own county project managers that will be dedicated to their accounts. This is based on the size of the jurisdiction and need for a more intimate approach dealing with larger staff. Often, election preparation schedules prevent the delivery of training at the optimal time for retention on Election Day. This can be particularly apparent in small counties, where a very limited team is responsible for all election related activities. To that end, Dominion proposes a regional training program for all other tiered counties where regional project managers will be dedicated to multiple counties. All counties regardless of size will have a technical project manager, product specialist(s), documentation & training specialist(s), voter outreach and a networking hardware specialist. Training for the regional accounts will be combined which allows questions and concerns from multiple counties to be heard. This will facilitate ideas on how our training program can work best for each county, and allow trainees to discuss concerns with the implementation that can help all involved. This type of training does not affect VSPC or election night support requirements for each individual county.
Election Programming
Election Programming
For those counties where Dominion will be providing election programming services such as database programming and generating ballots, the following steps outline this phase of the implementation.
For those counties where Dominion will be providing election programming services such as database programming and generating ballots, the following steps outline this phase of the implementation.
The creation of the election database is a critical step in the election implementation. Given the very limited time available between the certification of the final ballot and the distribution of UOCAVA / Absentee ballots, it is very important that timelines are appropriately managed.
The creation of the election database is a critical step in the election implementation. Given the very limited time available between the certification of the final ballot and the distribution of UOCAVA / Absentee ballots, it is very important that timelines are appropriately managed.
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State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
Dominion employs an iterative approach to ballot and report creation, where successive rounds of proofs are provided to election officials as more information becomes available. Using this approach, in many cases ballots have already been approved by the time they are certified, maximizing the time available for pre-election testing and logistics.
Dominion employs an iterative approach to ballot and report creation, where successive rounds of proofs are provided to election officials as more information becomes available. Using this approach, in many cases ballots have already been approved by the time they are certified, maximizing the time available for pre-election testing and logistics.
Dominion is familiar with the level of care and attention, and the rigorous proofing that election data should receive. While we are strong advocates of exercising rigor and caution during the ballot production phase, some or all of the iterative steps described below may not be required. This decision will be made by the Dominion PM in conjunction with the county following system configuration and end-to-end testing.
Dominion is familiar with the level of care and attention, and the rigorous proofing that election data should receive. While we are strong advocates of exercising rigor and caution during the ballot production phase, some or all of the iterative steps described below may not be required. This decision will be made by the Dominion PM in conjunction with the county following system configuration and end-to-end testing.
Import Jurisdictional Data - Using the data import bridge created during configuration, the Dominion project team will create an initial election database, ballots and reports using approved templates. Dominion staff will review the database for internal consistency, and provide draft proofing packages to the county for review.
Import Jurisdictional Data - Using the data import bridge created during configuration, the Dominion project team will create an initial election database, ballots and reports using approved templates. Dominion staff will review the database for internal consistency, and provide draft proofing packages to the county for review.
Final Election Ballot and Database Creation As soon as possible following the certification of final election data, the Dominion project team will provide final ballot proofs to the county.
Final Election Ballot and Database Creation As soon as possible following the certification of final election data, the Dominion project team will provide final ballot proofs to the county.
Election Materials Provided to or Generated by the County Final ballot PDF images are provided to the county for provision to certified printers. Election Project back-ups are uploaded to a secure transfer site for restoration on election servers.
Election Materials Provided to or Generated by the County Final ballot PDF images are provided to the county for provision to certified printers. Election Project back-ups are uploaded to a secure transfer site for restoration on election servers.
Generate Audio Files Dominion uses machine synthesized audio files for the ImageCast X systems.
Generate Audio Files Dominion uses machine synthesized audio files for the ImageCast X systems.
Logic and Accuracy Testing
Logic and Accuracy Testing
Logic and Accuracy testing (L&A) is the responsibility of the counties. The Dominion project team will be available throughout the L&A process available to assist on an as required basis.
Logic and Accuracy testing (L&A) is the responsibility of the counties. The Dominion project team will be available throughout the L&A process available to assist on an as required basis.
To facilitate the L&A process, Democracy Suite has an optional, stand-alone test deck generation utility that can be employed by certified printers, or sold separately for the automated creation of pre-marked test decks. These decks are always marked with 100% accuracy, allowing for increased confidence in the L&A process.
To facilitate the L&A process, Democracy Suite has an optional, stand-alone test deck generation utility that can be employed by certified printers, or sold separately for the automated creation of pre-marked test decks. These decks are always marked with 100% accuracy, allowing for increased confidence in the L&A process.
Dominion recommends that L&A testing include the upload of results files to the election database, so that a full end-to-end test of the rel
Dominion recommends that L&A testing include the upload of results files to the election database, so that a full end-to-end test of the relevant election is completed prior to Election Day.
Election Support
The Dominion project team will reach an agreement with the county on their specific roles during VSPC voting and Election Night. Dominion takes pride in our ability to transfer to local officials the skills necessary to conduct even complex elections with complete autonomy. As an example, following the successful initial deployment of Democracy Suite in Mongolia in June 2012, a nation-wide Presidential election was subsequently conducted by the Mongolian General Election Commission with only two Dominion staff members in-country. Throughout the
State of Colorado UNIFORM VOTING SYSTEM SUBMISSION PROVIDER NARRATIVE FOR DEC 4TH PERC MEETING
Problem Escalation Procedure
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During the normal course of implementing Democracy Suite, Dominion staff works closely with customers to establish a clear and timely flow of information. This communication helps reduce the number of issues and support early identification of problems that may require resolution through the Problem Escalation Procedure (PEP).
Dominion has successfully applied the proposed PEP to implementations in States of Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada and many other large jurisdictions. The proposed process has the following key steps:
Problem Identification Customer identifies a problem or Dominion proactively identifies a problem.
Problem Analysis The Dominion PM will describe, document, and log the problem into Dominion's automated ticket tracking system. They will notify appropriate Customer/Dominion staff of the severity and risk of the problem.
Problem Mitigation Plan (PMP) The Dominion PM will lead a team to identify the root cause, determine/document mitigation approach, and identify the management point of contact for approval of the PMP.
Mitigation Execution The team will execute the approved PMP and track resolution. Problem Escalation Process The Dominion PM will escalate a problem based on
exceeding the resolution target time or at their discretion. Problem Close-out The Dominion PM will document problem, resolution, and lessons
learned. The PM will also close out the item on the problem and risk logs.
Problem Identification The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a problem or issue as a variance between planed and actual performance in terms of schedule, resource allocation, technical performance, or quality. A problem or potential problem can be identified by Colorado counties or pro