Governor Walz Announces New Vendor to Replace State's Vehicle Title and Registration Computer System

Statement

In his ongoing effort to ensure the efficient delivery of government services for all Minnesotans, Governor Tim Walz announced today that the state has signed a contract with Fast Enterprises to provide a software solution that will replace Minnesota's Vehicle Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS). Fast Enterprises was the only responder to a Request for Proposals issued in June.

An independent expert review recommended that MNLARS be replaced with a packaged software solution. The review, completed earlier this year, identified that MNLARS has sound architecture, but a number of risk factors weighed against continuing to develop the system. Governor Walz accepted the recommendation and signed legislation that directed the Department of Public Safety and Minnesota IT Services to request proposals for a vendor solution.

"I am thrilled to be working with Fast Enterprises to produce a licensing software solution that works for Minnesota," said Governor Walz. "This contract is the product of a bipartisan process with a simple goal: make sure Minnesotans can get their vehicle titles, license plates, and tabs on time and error-free. Not only will this solution produce more efficient results, but this process has also laid a foundation for us to move forward on other critical issues facing our state."

Fast Enterprises has successfully implemented their software for vehicle title and registration programs in 11 states. The company developed and built Minnesota's driver's license system that successfully launched in October 2018, a system capable of issuing REAL ID-compliant cards.

The five-year contract requires the company to "implement, configure, and integrate its FastVS software" to replace MNLARS. The cost of the new system will be $33.854 million. This is roughly $2 million less than anticipated in the final transportation finance bill signed into law by Governor Walz.

The project will be completed in two phases, and will not affect current services:
-The first phase includes vehicle title and registration, dealer services, document imaging and permits. Phase I will be completed in 16 months.
-The second phase includes functions not currently available in MNLARS including motor carrier functions. Phase II will be completed in 10 months.

Once Phase I and II are complete, the Department of Public Safety and MNIT will transition to a maintenance model.

"This is the next stage in meeting the expectations of Minnesotans for a first-class driver and vehicle services system," said Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. "This public-private partnership will help us provide a digital experience Minnesotans should expect from state government. Based on their success in implementing the state's driver's license system last year, I'm confident that Fast Enterprises will deliver a vehicle system that will serve the needs of deputy registrars, auto dealers and all Minnesotans."

"This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to leverage market-leading technology," said MNIT Commissioner Tarek Tomes. "I am excited to see Minnesota embark on a path toward continuous innovation and improvement in the area of driver and vehicle services."

"Thank you to the teams at DPS, MNIT, and Admin that worked so hard to show that a fair but rapid procurement process can be accomplished in order to replace MNLARS with a modern, third party app benefiting our citizens," said Independent Expert Review Chair Rick King. "I am pleased the Independent Review Team's schedule is being met."

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About Driver and Vehicle Services

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.

2018 Statistics:
-1.5 million driver's license and ID cards issued.
-1.7million titles issued.
-6.7 million vehicles registered.
-DVS' Public Information Center handled more than 1.4 million phone calls and 127,000 email correspondences.

Source