It is recommended that the City Council authorize renewal of telecommunications services with AT&T, at multiple City of Fort Worth sites for the Information Technology Solutions Department using State of Texas Department of Information Resources Contract No. DIR-TEX-AN-NG-CTSA-005, at an annual cost not to exceed $2,400,000.00.

AT&T is one of the City's telecommunication providers.  The City's current Agreement with AT&T relies on the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Contract No. DIR-TEX-AN-NG-CTSA-005.  This M&C is only for AT&T land lines and internet services citywide which will be replaced by new fiber optic lines and other high speed connections in the coming year.  Historically, the City has spent approximately $200,000.00 per month on AT&T services.  This will decrease as more AT&T land lines and internet are replaced with other vendors providing high speed internet and digital phone access.  This AT&T - DIR Contract will be extended for one year beginning July 2, 2016.

The State of Texas DIR is authorized to offer the Cooperative Purchasing Program to state agencies, public institutions of higher learning, public school districts and local governments.  Pursuant to Government Code Section 791.025, a local government that purchases goods and services under the Interlocal Cooperation Act satisfies otherwise applicable competitive bidding requirements.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE ORDER:  An administrative change order or increase may be made by the City Manager for this Agreement for an amount up to $50,000.00 and does not require specific City Council approval as long as sufficient funds have been appropriated.

M/WBE OFFICE:  A waiver of the goal for MBE/SBE subcontracting requirements was requested by the Department and approved by the M/WBE Office, in accordance with the BDE Ordinance, because the purchase of goods or services is from sources where subcontracting or supplier opportunities are negligible.

AGREEMENT TERM – Upon City Council approval, this Agreement shall begin on July 2, 2016 and expire on July 1, 2017 to coincide with the contract term date of the DIR contract.

RENEWAL OPTIONS – At the City's option, this Agreement may be renewed for two additional one-year terms, in accordance with the terms of the DIR contract DIR-TEX-AN-NG-CTSA-005 or any successive DIR contracts for the same services.  This action does not require specific City Council approval provided that the City Council has appropriated sufficient funds to satisfy the City's obligation during the renewal term.