Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued wireless communication services and equipment for all City departments with T-Mobile USA Inc., to increase the amount by $1,275,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $1,600,000. Funding: $250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of various City departments. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
All City Departments.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of various City Departments.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Contract Amendment.
MBE/WBE:
Cooperative Agreements are exempt from City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract amendment will continue wireless data network connectivity and related services and equipment to all City departments. Wireless requirements have increased substantially due to the increased use of mobile technology devices and equipment used throughout the City. Wireless data network connectivity allows service calls to be wirelessly sent via the City's Computer Aided Dispatch system to mobile data devices installed in the vehicles of first responders. It also allows inspectors to wirelessly access permitting and inspection databases. Wireless data network connectivity provides for wireless metering and enables the utilities to route service orders directly to their field crews. It also allows employees to remotely access informational databases and to transmit information used in departmental activities.
The annual amount of the contract is based on the services being provided by this wireless provider. Additional funding is required for equipment and services to expand the Austin Public Library’s hotspot lending program, which will give even more residents access to free internet without having to travel to the library every day.
The United States General Services Administration Information Technology is a cooperative purchasing association recognized under Texas procurement statutes. Cooperative associations, themselves or using a lead government, competitively solicit and award contracts that are eligible for use by other qualified state and local governments. Due to their substantial volumes, larger than any one government could achieve independently, cooperative contracts routinely include superior terms, conditions, and pricing. Use of cooperative contracts also results in lower administrative costs and time savings.
If this amendment is not approved, wireless data network activity would be disrupted, which could impact first responders’ access to information, service call response, permitting and inspections, and the hotspot lending program.