Citywide Technology Master Plan

Citywide Technology Master Plan

Citywide Strategic Technology Software Framework that enhances interdepartmental collaboration, streamlines operations, and aligns with the City’s long-term goals.

The City is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive Citywide Technology Master Plan that establishes a clear 2-Year Action Plan and a 5-Year Roadmap. This plan will guide the modernization of the City’s technology environment, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen staff capability across all departments. The effort will evaluate current systems, applications, infrastructure, staffing models, and vendor-managed environments to ensure the City’s technology investments are efficient, secure, and aligned with long-term operational needs.

Reflecting the City’s existing technology operating model—where departments manage their own business systems and the IT Division provides centralized governance, cybersecurity, integration, and technical oversight—the Master Plan will balance departmental autonomy with citywide standards and strategic direction. A critical component of this engagement will be assessing the City’s readiness for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and identifying responsible, practical opportunities to pilot and adopt AI tools that enhance service delivery. Ultimately, the Master Plan will position technology as a strategic enabler, supporting consistent, secure, and innovative services for residents, businesses, and the community.

About the City

The City of Lake Forest is located in southern Orange County, California, in the area commonly referred to as the Saddleback Valley, with a population of approximately 85,000. It is the County's thirty-first city and the second largest city within the Saddleback Valley, encompassing 16.6 square miles. The City of Lake Forest's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

The City was incorporated in 1991, operates under the Council/Manager form of government and is considered a contract city. The five members of the City Council are elected by district. They serve staggered four-year terms, with the Mayor being selected annually from among the Council Members. The Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

City Hall is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California 92630. The telephone number is (949) 461-3400, and the fax is (949) 461-3511. The City website address is http://www.lakeforestca.gov .

Project Description

The City is seeking Information Technology Consulting Service for the Citywide Technology Master Plan Project Citywide Strategic Technology Software Framework that enhances interdepartmental collaboration, streamlines operations, and aligns with the City’s long-term goals. .

The services are expected to be completed within three years from contract award. The City anticipates awarding a contract with an initial term of March 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2029 . The City will have the option, at its sole discretion, to extend the agreement for up to two (2) additional one year terms. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the City, at its sole discretion, will not move forward with the renewal option and shall re-procure the work.