HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE (2)Agenda Item:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by: Kevin Tonoian
DATE: November 28, 2006
SUBJECT: PROCUREMENT OF REPLACEMENT NETWORK
INFRASTRUCTURE
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council appropriate $60,500 from the Technology Replacement Fund (Fund 601) to account
#2311-8610, award a contract for replacement network infrastructure to AT&T in the amount not
to exceed $55,000, plus a 10% contingency of $5,500, and authorize the City Manager or
designee to execute the contract or modify the award in the event impossibility of performance
arises, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City's network infrastructure consists of switches, routers, and firewalls. Switches, which
are the devices that interconnect all of the City's computers, have reached the end of their service
life and are starting to malfunction on a consistent basis. The failure of this equipments results in
computers becoming disconnected from the rest of the network, which in turn causes significant
network downtime and decreased efficiency among City staff. In the last ten months, three
switches have failed.
The failing switches are lowering the performance, reliability, and productivity of the network.
They are showing the effects of antiquated technology being used at maximum capacity. There
are currently 13 switches used to interconnect all of the computers at City Hall. Eleven of the
switches where purchased in 2001 and have reached their end -of -life cycle. This means the City
can no longer receive parts, service, or support for these devices. In the past, Technology
Services has been able to avoid considerable downtime to City staff by having spare switches on
hand. However, the City's growth in the last five years has resulted in these spare switches being
permanently added to the network infrastructure.
To address the immediate threat of continued network failure, Technology Services staff believes
it is appropriate to recommend the purchase of thirteen (13) new switches. In accordance with
Santa Clarita Municipal Code 3.12.270, City staff worked to obtain four quotes as outlined
below:
Vendor
Location
Bid
CDW-G
Huntington Beach
$54,590.50
AT&T
Santa Clarita
$54,590.50 •
Nexus IS
Santa Clarita Valley
$65,048.78
Datalink
Santa Clarita
$67,563.81
*Price represents match of lowest bid. Initial bid submitted by AT&T was $56,243.28.
While the lowest quote received for this equipment was from CDW-G in the amount of
$54,590.50, under the Support of Santa Clarita Business Ordinance enacted by the City Council,
AT&T was given the opportunity to match the lowest bid. In conversations subsequent to the
receipt of all four vendor quotes, AT&T has agreed to match the quote for replacement network
equipment submitted by CDW-G.
By soliciting quotes and purchasing the switches in bulk, City staff has been able to achieve a
savings of 39% off the list price of this equipment. Unlike the current switches, which were
purchased at the tail -end of their product life cycle, these switches are new on the market and are
equipped with the latest technology that can support the anticipated continued growth of the
City's network. The life expectancy for these new switches is six to eight years.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Do not approve procurement of this equipment.
2. Other action as identified by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds to procure replacement network infrastructure equipment have been previously identified
within the Technology Services ten-year Replacement Fund. Adequate funds are currently
available within the Technology Services Replacement Fund to support an appropriation of
$60,500 from the Technology Replacement Fund to account #2311-8610.