The City of Fort Worth utilizes Extra! X-treme terminal emulation software to connect users to the IBM AS/400 mainframes. This software facilitates access to many legacy mainframe-based applications. These legacy-based applications are used throughout the City by several departments, including Financial Management Services Department, Human Resources Department and Municipal Court. The Water Department also uses Extra! X-treme software to access their IBM AS/400 mainframe. Without this software, users would be required to maintain separate hardware (mainframe terminal) to access the information that resides on the mainframes. Maintaining a software maintenance agreement allows the City to receive technical support and new releases of the software. This purchase should not be delayed as the maintenance support ensures software continues to operate efficiently, providing users interrupted access to critical applications that reside on the City's mainframes. A new software maintenance agreement is required as the current maintenance agreement will expire at the end of the month. At this time, there are no lower cost options to ensure support and availability of this software. Other options require replacing the existing terminal emulation software, which would be labor intensive and would require additional training. The most cost effective solution to facilitate continued access to the IBM AS/400 mainframes is to renew the existing maintenance agreement with Extra! X-treme software through the Attachmate Corporation. PRICE ANALYSIS - There is no increase in price from the previous agreement awarded by M&C P-10130, approved by the City Council on April 26, 2005. The quote was obtained from SHI Government Solutions, utilizing the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Contract No. DIR-SDD-1009. DIR offers fixed discounts based on SHI Government Solutions Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) as specified in Appendix C, Product Pricing and Index. Overall, prices are considered fair and reasonable. 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 State law, a local government that purchases goods and services under the Interlocal Cooperation Act satisfies otherwise applicable competitive bidding requirements.
ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENT - An administrative increase or amendment for this Purchasing Agreement may be made by the City Manager, or his designee, for an amount up to $17,850.00 and does not require specific City Council approval so long as sufficient funds have been appropriated. M/WBE - A waiver of the goal for M/WBE subcontracting requirements was requested by the Purchasing Division and approved by the M/WBE Office because the purchase of goods or services is from sources where subcontracting or supplier opportunities are negligible. AGREEMENT TERMS - Upon City Council's approval this Agreement will begin on November 3, 2009, and expire on July 8, 2010, to coincide with expiration date of DIR Contract No. DIR-SDD-1009. RENEWAL OPTIONS - This Agreement may be renewed for up to three additional one year terms in accordance with the terms of the DIR contract. Should the State elect to exercise a renewal option, the City will do the same. This action does not require specific City Council approval provided that the City Council has appropriated sufficient funds to satisfy the City's obligations during the renewal term. |
