TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract with Verizon Business Network Services, Inc. (Verizon) to provide local telephone and data communications services in an annual amount not to exceed $1,470,700 for a period of three years, with options for two additional periods of one year each; and
Adopt resolution to participate in State of California Integrated Information Network Agreement (CALNET II), Master Services Agreement No. DTS 06E1392 and No. DTS 06E1393 with Verizon. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In May 1999, the City of Long Beach entered into a three-year Agreement (No. 26276) with GTE California Incorporated (now Verizon California, Inc.) to provide local telephone service, which also includes data communications service and support service for line additions, changes, and deletions. This contract was amended and the term extended to June 30, 2004.
Prior to the expiration of the Verizon contract, the Department of Technology Services (TS) initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for telecommunications services in 2004. City staff selected Verizon from the five proposals received to provide local phone and data communications services because it offered the lowest overall rates. The RFP process resulted in a 35 percent reduction in rates, which equated to savings of approximately $800,000 annually. The contract was amended and the term extended through August 31,2009.
In January 2009, TS again initiated an RFP process for telecommunications services, which included local and long distance phone, data communications, and Internet services. Eight proposals were received by the March 6, 2009 submittal date. Based on a thorough analysis of the proposals and interviews with a short list of vendors, Verizon was selected to provide local phone and data communications services.
Currently, the TS annual budget for Verizon services is approximately $1.9 million. The new agreement with Verizon will reduce the rates paid by the City...
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