Title
Telecommunications Consulting Services (NB)
Staff recommends awarding a contract for telecommunications consulting services for GRUCom to HIKE & Co.,Inc.
Recommendations
The City Commission authorize the General Manager or her designee to: 1) execute a three year contract with HIKE & Company, Inc., as a specified source, for telecommunications consulting services on an as needed basis, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the issuance of a purchase order for these services in amounts not exceeding $75,000 for each year of the contract, subject to final approval of funds.
Explanation
HIKE & Company has served as GRUCom’s primary telecommunications consultant since 1995, assisting with almost all development activities. The consultant has assisted GRUCom through its successful start-up phase of its Competitive Access Provider and Internet Service Provider businesses and has been instrumental in developing business relationships with other carriers and key customers with whom they have strategic business relationships. The interface the consultant provides between GRUCom and its key customers enables GRUCom to respond effectively to the complex and unique issues of the highly competitive telecommunications industry. These relationships have been invaluable to GRUCom and have aided in its expansion and sales growth over the years.
The consultant’s in-depth knowledge of GRUCom’s operations, strategic plans, customer needs and other pertinent issues has significantly contributed to GRUCom’s success. The quality of the consultant’s work is exemplary and the rates are competitive with the market for similar services. Staff recommends retaining the consultant for telecommunication consulting services to assist staff with telecommunications issues on an as needed basis.
Fiscal Impact:
Funds for these services are available in the approved GRUCom capital and operating budgets for FY 2008 and will be reques...
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