CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 26-220, Mobile Broadband Data Services, to Verizon Wireless for an amount not to exceed $208,000 and for a one-year term
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DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
SUBMITTED BY: Jacqueline Nguyen, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Mobile broadband data services provide wireless data connections that enable enhanced productivity using laptop computers and through networking various mobile technology systems.
The City procures these services using the State of Illinois cooperative contract with Verizon Wireless. Data devices enrolled in this service have unlimited data usage under these service plans.
The IT Department periodically audits and reviews mobile broadband data services against department needs and the guidelines in the City’s Mobile Device Policy. The table below shows the mobile broadband data service device count by department as of September 5, 2025.
|
Electric Utility |
34 |
|
Water Utilities |
49 |
|
DPW |
32 |
|
Fire Department |
58 |
|
Police Department |
317 |
|
TED |
25 |
|
Total |
515 |
The cellular voice and data service provider markets are very competitive. Service providers offer plans and promotions that change regularly and can contain complex terms and conditions. The IT Department monitors and periodically evaluates alternative service providers.
At this time, staff is not aware of any material change in cost or performance from an alternative vendor that would offset the significant effort and cost of switching service providers. The terms of the current state contract with Verizon allow the City to terminate service at any time without penalty.
DISCUSSION:
Verizon, the current mobile broadband data services vendor, has provided acceptable service with few problems.
Staff recommends the award of mobile broadband data services under the State of Illinois cooperative contract to Verizon for the period through October 2, 2027. Staff have confirmed that the State is in the process of finalizing the new contract with Verizon, which will be active for a 10-year term.
The term of the procurement is from date of award through October 2, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP: N/A
Mobile broadband data services are expensed to the account number listed below. The requested award totals $52,000 for 2026, which is favorable to the remaining budget of $68,174 for this expense. In 2027, the requested award totals $156,000, which is favorable to the budgeted amount of $209,000, assuming a full year of spending will reflect $208,000.
|
Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget |
|
16101100-542415 |
General Fund |
$632,000 |