ADMINISTRATION - Joe Huss, Finance Director
Title
AUTHORIZE AGREEMENT FOR I.S. BUSINESS ANALYSIS
Background
At the June 18, 2015 City Council meeting, staff was directed to begin researching the outsourcing of the City’s Information Services (IS) operations with the potential of preparing a Request for Proposals for IT services. A Council Workshop discussion was held July 16 with direction for IS to provide additional detail regarding its work-plan and an outline of current operational work-flow at a future Workshop. A follow-up discussion was held at the August 20, 2015 Workshop with Council direction for staff to contact potential vendors for conducting an independent business analysis of Blaine’s IS Division.
Following this direction, staff sent a Request for Quotes (RFQ) to six potential vendors with the requirement that the vendor was to refrain from proposing services or solutions in which the quoting firm would be the provider of the services being recommended. Vendors were instructed that any proposal that included services to be provided by the vendor beyond this specific engagement would not be considered.
Of the six vendors contacted, three chose to provide quotes for their services. The three firms providing quotes had unique approaches as to how they would conduct the review and analysis. The approach that staff feels is the most cost-effective and would provide the level of review and analysis the City is seeking was provided by Technology Management Corporation (TMC) in Shorewood, MN.
The TMC proposal includes an initial operational review not to exceed $2,250 (15 hours @ $150/hour.) Once this initial review has taken place, the extent to which any additional review should be undertaken will be solely at the City’s discretion and will be brought before Council for approval before proceeding.
Recommendation
By motion, authorize staff to negotiate a services agreement with Technology Management to conduct a business review and analysis of the City’s IS Division at an initial cost not to exceed $2,250.