Title
Contracts for Cellular Phone Services (B)
Authorize negotiation and execution of a two-year contract for cellular phone services and associated equipment with Alltel Communications and Sprint.
Explanation
Cellular phones are utilized by operational, engineering and support staff to communicate with customers, contractors and the public when working outside of an office environment. These services are currently procured under cooperative purchasing agreements, which are expiring.
The Utility formed a team comprised of employees from various departments to review cellular phone requirements and develop a solicitation for the provision of cellular phone services and associated equipment. Purchasing issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to six prospective suppliers, with all six responding. The proposals received were evaluated based on criteria established in the RFP, which included cost, service coverage, on-line ordering capabilities, billing method, local repair facility and local vendor preference. A tabulation of the evaluation is attached for your reference.
Alltel Communications, who submitted the highest ranked proposal, will be utilized for the majority of the services, while Sprint will be used for applications where the Sprint (Nextel) radio functionality is determined to be more cost effective.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the General Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a two-year contract for cellular phone services and equipment with Alltel Communications and Sprint, formerly Nextel, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality, in an amount not to exceed budgeted funds.
Fiscal Note
Funds for these services are available in the FY 2006 budgets and will be requested in the FY 2007 budgets.
Drafter
Prepared by: Ruth H. Davis, Administrative Services Director
Submitted by: Michael L. Kurtz, General Manager