Label
Telecommunications Audit (Phase 2)
Department of Information Technology
Anne Bennett (1493)
Title
Authorizing the expenditure of up to $167,900 for the provision of performing a telecommunications audit; authorizing the Mayor to enter into contract for said purpose; waiving the competitive bidding requirements of TMC Chapter 187; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City of Toledo needs to optimize and modernize our telecommunications systems and services to meet the following business goals:
• Further reduce expenses by leveraging the knowledge gained in an earlier expense reduction project that has saved the City $88,000
• Implement future cost avoidance strategies related to legacy telecommunications equipment & services with an emphasis on PRI & Centrex services that will no longer be discounted under the Ohio Department of Administrative Services agreement.
• Reduce security risk associated with retired equipment that is no longer supported by the manufacturer; therefore, no longer receiving security updates
• Reduced Risk for the Engage Contact Center by enhancing number re-routing capabilities to facilitate business continuity
To accomplish these goals a three-part project will be initiated:
• Part One - Requirements Gathering, Identification and Disconnection of Unneeded Telco Services
• Part Two - Selection of New Telecom Supplier / Platform & Plan the transition
• Part Three - Transition to the new Telecom Platform
This ordinance will waive competitive bidding to leverage knowledge of the existing vendor, BAZ Group, a local, women owned business.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into agreements for the performance of a telecommunications audit upon terms and conditions acceptable to the Director Information Technology and the Director of Law.
SECTION 2. That an expenditure in the amount of up to $167,900 is authorized from Account Code 7084-17500-1144004ICTADM for the purposes identified in Section 1.
SECTION 3. That this City Council finds it in the best interest of the city to waive the competitive bid requirements of TMC Chapter 187 for the reason that Baz Group has already performed a high-level telecommunications audit for the city and has produced demonstrated savings.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Finance is authorized to issue warrants against the above listed account code in an amount not to exceed $167,900 in payment of the obligations incurred pursuant to the agreement(s) authorized in Section 1 upon presentation of proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after its passage. This ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and will furthermore preserve and maintain security and compliance in our current network environment.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 12, nays 0.
Passed: September 11, 2024, as an emergency measure: yeas 12, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Carrie Hartman
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: September 11, 2024
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor