Boulder County DRE/Vote Center RFP 4717-06 Comments

["Joe Pezzillo" <jpezzillo@xxxxxxxxx>]

1/4/06 11:58am

Having completed a read-through of the RFP, I would like to submit  
the following additional comments.

In short, this RFP is clearly geared to DREs (e-voting) and Vote  
Centers. If it goes through as is, we will clearly have DRE voting  
computers and optical scan units with removable memories at vote  
centers in Boulder County. My previous comments speak to the poor  
decision this would represent.

On page 5, it clearly states that the Board of County Commissioners  
may accept or reject any proposed contract in its sole discretion.

On page 8, section 3.9 and page 11, 4.4, there is an unnecessary  
requirement that any new system expected to be compatible with the  
existing system used in November 2004.

On page 8, section 3.12: Does the Clerk's office understand wireless  
transmission of data, let alone, voting data?

On page 9, section 3.18: The RFP implies that VVPAT for use only in a  
recount or redundant check? First VVPAT implies a system other than a  
paper ballot system, and second, all elections in Colorado must be  
audited, so this capability will be used every election.

Pages 11-12, section 4.6: "Security" is deficient, in particular 4.6.4 
(c) seems like bad security practice that represents a fundamental  
lack of understanding of computer security.

The RFP seems geared toward a five-year lifecycle for this equipment.

The RFP makes NO mention of any public process in the decision making.

The RFP repeatedly creates dependencies on the Vendor for the  
provision and operation of many aspects of running an election,  
including training.

I reiterate my call that you reject this RFP.

Joe Pezzillo
PO Box J
Boulder, CO 80306 USA
jpezzillo@xxxxxxxxx
303-938-8850