TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to participate in the Western States Contracting Alliance Participating Addenda with Sprint/Nextel (State of California Master Service Agreement No. 7-10-70-15), Verizon (State of California Master Service Agreement No. 7-10-70-16), and AT&T (State of California Master Service Agreement No. 7-11-70-17); and authorize City Manager to execute agreements with Sprint/Nextel, Verizon, and AT&T to provide cellular broadband services and modems for three years in an aggregate amount not to exceed $382,000 annually. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Technology Services Department (TSD) is responsible for administering cellular broadband modem service for the City of Long Beach's mobile workforce. City building inspectors were the first to use broadband modems to access inspection data using laptop computers in the field. Other City departments with similar field requirements have since benefited from the use of this technology. The Police Department (PD) upgraded their mobile data computer system in 2006 to ruggedized laptop computers to enable more of the officers' work to be completed in the field. By using cellular data modems, officers are able to remotely access the City's network allowing them to write reports, research computerized records, retrieve investigative database information and photographs, and access other City-related applications from the field.
Currently, the City has over 565 cellular data modems deployed, of which approximately 60 percent are used by PD. As bandwidth capabilities continue to improve, the use of cellular data technology will continue to grow, enabling the use of more City applications from the field. For example, we anticipate using this technology to enable remote video surveillance cameras to connect to the City network.
In July 2011, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for cellular broadband equipment and services was advertised on the City website, notifying 416 potential businesses to secure the most favorable pricing for this acquisition. Of those, 34 downloaded the RFP via the electronic bid system. The RFP document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the seventh floor of City Hall, and the Division's website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing <http://www.longbeach.gov/purchasinq>. An RFP announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division's weekly update on Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent to 30 local, minority and women's business groups. In response, proposals were received from Sprint/Nextel, AT&T and Verizon. Of the three proposals, none were Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), none were Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), none were Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), and none were Long Beach Businesses (Local).
With the assistance of PD representatives, TSD staff evaluated the three responses based on network coverage, cost, ability to meet state Department of Justice security requirements, and experience providing services to similar clients. Upon completion of the evaluation, it was determined that all providers met the City's requirements, with the level of service coverage provided by each vendor varying within the City's service area.
The State of California Department of General Services has executed Participating Addendum No. 7-10-70-15 with Sprint Nextel, Addendum No. 7-10-70-16 with Verizon, and Addendum No. 7-11-70-17; 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. 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 December 15, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 27, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The existing agreement for these services will expire on February 1, 2012. City Council action is requested on January 17, 2012 to allow the City to continue to use this technology and avoid service disruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
Total aggregate expenditures for this service will not exceed $382,000 annually. Costs for cellular broadband services are passed through 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 client department budgets to support this activity. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE CELLULAR BROADBAND SERVICES AND MODEMS THROUGH THE CONTRACTS BETWEEN SPRINT/NEXTEL, VERIZON AND AT&T WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Respectfully Submitted,
CURTIS TANI
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER