Title
SAP Technology Consulting and Training Services (NB)
Explanation
With authorization from the City Commission, over the past five years GRU has replaced its Customer Information System (CIS) and Financial Management Information System (FMIS) with customized SAP software, thereby making significant advancements in the Utility's operations. Customization was necessary to meet utility-specific requirements. Together the two systems allow GRU staff to bill customers, create reports for strategic planning, track revenues and expenditures, manage debt, and oversee investments. As a result of implementing these systems, GRU has realized increased productivity and cost savings.
In order to properly maintain a software system, new software releases are applied to allow users to gain the greatest benefit from the system. This can be accomplished by installing Support Packs and/or Enhancement Packs recommended by the software provider. Staying up to date with new software releases, as part of a routine maintenance strategy, is important for ensuring stable daily operations.
GRU is in need of selecting and acquiring new software releases to ensure that the appropriate and most current functionality of the SAP software is obtained. To help identify the best products for GRU, staff requires technology consulting services to assist with ascertaining which specific purchase needs are best suited for GRU's customized software code. Working directly with the software provider for technology consulting and training is highly desirable to ensure that system maintenance concerns can be identified accurately while offering direct knowledge transfer from SAP to GRU staff. While other software consultants can perform technology consulting services, staff believes it is in the best interest of GRU to obtain information directly from SAP America, Inc. as the owner and licensor of SAP software. In doing so, staff will obtain the most accurate and the latest release information available.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a three year contract with SAP America, Inc., a specified source, to provide technology consulting and training services for SAP software systems in an amount not to exceed $450,000, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the issuance of purchase orders to SAP America, Inc. in an amounts collectively not to exceeding $450,000 over the term of the agreement, subject to the final appropriation of funds in each fiscal year.
Fiscal Note
Funds are available in the FY 2011 budget and will be requested in subsequent year budgets.
Drafter
Prepared by Jennifer L. Hunt,Chief Financial Officer
Submitted by Robert E. Hunzinger, General Manager