Recognize the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as the City of Fort Worth's Official Newspaper and Authorize Purchase Agreement with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for the Publication of Official City Notices and Advertising in the Amount Up to $200,000.00 for One Year with No Options to Renew for All City Departments (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize a purchase Agreement with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for the publication of official City notices and advertising in the amount up to $200,000.00 for one year with no options to renew; and

2.  Recognize the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as the City of Fort Worth's official newspaper.

Under the City of Fort Worth Charter, Chapter XXVII § 17, the city is required to annually designate the official newspaper for official advertisements.  City departments use the official newspaper for the publication of bid announcements, personnel advertisements, notice of surplus property sales, ordinances, special notices and all other notices or publications required or authorized by State Law, the City Charter, City Ordinance or other regulations.
  
The Invitation to Bid (ITB) consisted of detailed specifications describing the types of notices the vendors would be required to publish.  The ITB also required the publication to have been in general circulation in the City of Fort Worth for at least two consecutive years prior to the time of award.  Staff certifies that the bid submitted by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram meets specifications.

PRICE ANALYSIS - The unit prices are the same as the previous Agreement prices awarded in 2016, (M&C P-11875).  No guarantee was made that a specific amount of services would be purchased.  The City anticipates spending approximately the amount of $200,000.00 for these services.

BID ADVERTISEMENT - This bid was advertised in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on May 31, 2017, June 7, 2017 and June 14, 2017.  Eighty- four vendors were solicited from the purchasing vendor database; two responses were received.  

BID TABULATION - See attached bid tabulation.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE ORDER - An Administrative Change Order or increase may be made by the City Manager in the amount up to $50,000.00 (25 percent) and does not require specific City Council approval as long as sufficient funds have been appropriated.

AGREEMENT TERM - Upon City Council's approval, the Agreement will begin on September 13, 2017 and expire on September 12, 2018.