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Outsourcing Explained The NTTA recently solicited bids from companies to help the Authority review the license plate photos used in its billing processes. By outsourcing this work, the NTTA expects to see a significant savings based on improvements in image review volume. Expediting image review allows the NTTA to further ensure timely billing for our customers.
Recent news coverage and customer feedback has revolved around one of the four finalists, Oklahoma Correctional Industries. The NTTA Board of Directors has not yet made a decision about the vendor; however, we want to share additional facts about the selection process, Oklahoma Correctional Industries, and its involvement in the process.
First, this change is being reviewed as a result of new roadway openings and the conversion to cashless tolling. Specifically, as the number of ZipCash customers increases, the number of images being reviewed manually each day also will continue to increase. Secondly, there will be no loss of NTTA jobs due to this potential change. About 70 percent of image review currently is being performed by an outside vendor.
The NTTA received 15 bids, and the list was narrowed to four finalists after being judged on several criteria including reputation, experience, costs and accuracy. The four vendors being considered are:
International firms:
1. Zenysis – Plano, Texas-based; image review in India
2. ETCC – Richardson, Texas-based; image review in India
National firms:
3. Transcore – Harrisburg, Penn.-based; image review in Houston, Texas
4. Oklahoma Correctional Industries – Image review performed by inmates
Most of the concerns raised regarding the process have centered around Oklahoma Correctional Industries’ use of inmates to perform the work and their access to potentially sensitive information. If Oklahoma Correctional Industries is chosen it is important to remember:
- Reviewers will not have access to any information for any customer.
- Reviewers will see only the license plate and part of the vehicle.
- License plate information is readily available in any public setting so customers are not subjected to any increase in exposure.
- There is no ability for reviewers to obtain any other information about customers or interact with them in any way.
- The selection process was deliberate and thorough, and Oklahoma Correctional Industries was chosen as one of the final four candidates because it is judged to be efficient without compromising customers’ privacy in ANY way.
- Oklahoma Correctional Industries already performs a similar function for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
- Any of the short-listed vendors chosen would review information in the same way, ensuring there is no breach of customer information.
Again, NTTA has not yet selected the vendor. We want you to remain informed and up-to-date on the latest news regarding the NTTA and hope that this information is helpful.
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