Title
I&T Research, Advisory, and Consulting Services
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of information technology-related research, advisory, and consulting services from a cooperative contract,
B. Approve a contract with Gartner, Inc. for the purchase of information technology-related research, advisory, and consulting services for a term of three years under National Association of State Procurement Officials Master Agreement #DPC-1428523190-SA-21-PASS_ITRAC, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to extend the contract for additional terms as long as the cooperative contract is in effect at prices and terms that are the same or more favorable than those offered under the cooperative contact.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Markell Storay, Innovation and Technology
Randy Moulton, Innovation and Technology
Cheryl Wright, Contracting and Procurement
Explanation
§ This contract will provide the Innovation and Technology (I&T) department with trusted research, industry benchmarks, expert advisory support, and insights into emerging technologies and market trends, assisting I&T in making informed strategic investment decisions.
§ Services may include access to research reports, analyst consultations, vendor evaluation tools, benchmarking tools, conferences, and guidance on technology strategy, governance, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
§ NC General Statute Section 143-129(e)(3) allows local governments to purchase from formally organized cooperative purchasing contracts.
§ A cooperative purchasing agreement results from the consolidation and competitive solicitation of multiple public agency requirements. By aggregating common needs all agencies are able to leverage economies of scale, such as volume discounts, improved terms and conditions, reduced administrative costs, and access to professional and technical expertise.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $350,000.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Cooperative purchasing contracts leverage contracts established by other governmental agencies and do not involve the city conducting a bidding process and are thus exempt from CBI Program goals. Subcontracting opportunities are typically not feasible under cooperative purchasing arrangements.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Various Departments’ Operating Budgets