TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to participate in the Western States Contracting Alliance Participating Addendum (State of California Master Service Agreement # 7-10-70-16) with Verizon Wireless to provide cellular phone and data services, in an aggregate annual amount not to exceed $250,000; and authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with Verizon Wireless. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Technology Services Department is responsible for administering cellular phone and data services for City departments. For many years, the City has used cellular devices as tools to enhance customer service and improve employee productivity and efficiency.
Currently, the City uses three vendors for cellular phone and data services: Verizon Wireless (Verizon), Sprint Solutions, Inc. (Sprint), and T-Mobile USA. All three providers meet our operational and customer service requirements. This request is to add contracting capacity with Verizon Wireless to support the deployment of new mobile computing technologies for such initiatives as the new utility customer information and parking citations systems.
The State of California, Department of General Services, has executed Participating Addendum No. 7-10-70-16 with Verizon Wireless under the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) cooperating purchase agreement for wireless products and services. Section 1802 of the City Charter permits the City to participate in joint and cooperative purchasing agreements by adoption of a Resolution of the City Council authorizing purchases under contracts entered into by other governmental agencies, such as the WSCA agreement. Staff recommends using the WSCA agreement to take advantage of discounted rates for cellular phone and data services. The proposed Resolution allows purchases under the WSCA agreement for as long as it is in effect, and the City's participation may be terminated at any time with 30 days prior written notice.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson on February 27, 2014, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 28, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 18, 2014 to allow TSD to continue to meet business demand for mobile devices that utilize Verizon Wireless.
FISCAL IMPACT
Total expenditures for cellular phone and data services with Verizon will not exceed $250,000 per year. This amount is within Technology Services' existing expenditure budget for these services. Costs for cellular phone and data services are passed to client departments via the Technology Services MOU. Sufficient funds are budgeted in the General Services Fund (IS 385) and in the Technology Services Department (TS), as well as user department budgets to support this activity. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CURTIS TANI
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER