CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-285, 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. IT staff and department leadership review 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 has identified an approved cooperative contract, State of Illinois Contract CMS793372P, through Cellco Partnership Dba Verizon Wireless, for the procurement of Cellular Phone Services. This state contract has been extended until October 2, 2026, while a new solicitation is being conducted.
The term of the contract is from date of award through October 2, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP #: N/A
Mobile broadband data services are expensed to the account number listed below. The requested award totals $52,000 for 2025, which is unfavorable to the remaining budget of $41,999 for this expense. It is expected that this overage can be accommodated; however, staff will monitor to ensure expenditures remain within the total approved budget. Staff will budget appropriately for this expense for 2026.
|
Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget |
|
16101100-542415 |
General Fund |
$647,399.00 |