TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute agreements, amendments to extend the term, and all related documents with Sprint/Nextel and Verizon, to provide cellular broadband services in an aggregated amount not to exceed $382,000 per year for one year; and increase appropriations in the General Services Fund (IS 385) and in the Department of Technology Services by $250,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Technology Services Department is responsible for administering cellular broadband service for City departments' mobile workforce. Currently, the City uses cellular broadband service, primarily for building inspectors to access data while in the field. Other City departments with similar requirements are beginning to benefit from the use of this technology. At this time, Technology Services supports approximately 150 cellular data modems and the City's use of cellular data technology continues to grow with the improvement of bandwidth capabilities.
The Long Beach Police Department is planning to use cellular broadband service which would allow officers the ability to process reports in the field, research computerized records, and retrieve investigative database information (e.g., photographs) and other City related applications.
Currently, the Department uses the City's radio communications infrastructure, which does not provide the capacity to perform these functions while in the field given the upgraded computer-aided dispatch/records management system requirements.
In 2006, the Police Department upgraded their mobile data computers to Panasonic Toughbook computers with the goal of moving more of the officers' work tasks into the field. To this end, on January 9, 2007, the City Council approved the Police Department's request to purchase modems and connectivity software in support of implementing cellular broadband technology. (Attached)
Based on this approval, Technology Services initiated a Request for Proposal process for cellular broadband services under the authority of Section 1807 of the City Charter. Responses were received from Verizon and Sprint/Nextel. City staff from Technology Services and the Police Department evaluated both proposals based on several factors including network coverage area and service cost. Upon completion of the evaluation, it was determined that both providers meet the City's operational and customer service requirements at comparable costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on March 12,2007 and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on March 12,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on March 20, 2007, in order to implement this new technology as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
Annual contract costs to provide broadband services Citywide are estimated at $382,000, including existing cellular broadband use. Of that amount, $250,000 was appropriated in the General Fund (GP) and in the Police Department (PD) on January 9, 2007 to support eventual charges from the Department of Technology Services for this requested service. To reflect this expense in Technology Services, an appropriations increase is included in the recommendation for the General Services Fund (IS 385) and in the Department of Technology Services (TS) of $250,000, to be offset by revenue from charges to the Police Department.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CURTIS TANI
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |