FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Q: We’ve used all our consulting hours. Can we purchase more?
A: Yes, additional hours can be purchased at the rate that corresponds to your tier. Email gis@awcnet.org to learn more.
Q: What does the free rapid needs assessment entail?
A: The free rapid needs assessment is a quick and objective way to determine the state of GIS at your organization, identify your goals for GIS implementation, and recommendations for how to move forward.
Q: Is the time used to conduct the free rapid needs assessment subtracted from my consulting hours?
A: No, the hours needed to conduct your free rapid needs assessment are in addition to your tier’s consulting hours. If you wish to do a more in-depth needs assessment, FLO Analytics will work with you to determine how many consulting hours you need.
Q: Can I elect to skip the rapid needs assessment and get more consulting hours instead?
A: Cities can skip the rapid needs assessment, but will not get any additional consulting hours as a result.
Q: We've already had a needs assessment. Do we need to have another one when we join the Consortium?
A: No, cities receive only one rapid needs assessment when they join the GIS Consortium for the first time.
Q: How long does membership last?
A: Membership in the GIS Consortium is valid for one year from your initial enrollment date.
Q: Will our membership be renewed automatically?
A: Yes, if you do not wish to re-join the GIS Consortium, you must provide AWC written notice within 30 days of the end of your membership term. See our participation agreement and enrollment application for more information.
Q: Do my hours expire?
A: We recognize that organizations work under varying constraints and timeframes, so we automatically roll-over a maximum of 40 unused hours while an organization remains a member of the Consortium. If membership lapses, the organization may roll over a maximum of 40 hours, and is allotted 6 months from their member anniversary to use the rolled-over hours.
Q: Are there any administration fees?
A: Yes. For cities, there is an annual $200 administrative service fee for tiers 1 and 2 and a $400 administrative service fee for tiers 3 and 4. Non-city entities are subject to a different rate structure and participation agreement.