AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: Materials Management
CM/DCM/ACM: Bryan Langley
AGENDA DATE October 9, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Consider recommending adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing for, authorizing, and approving three (3) year software maintenance for continued vendor support, upgrades, and sustainment services for Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for the Denton Municipal Electric Metering Department, which is essential to ensure availability of upgrades, software fixes, and access to knowledge and support resources. Trilliant Networks, Inc. is the sole-source vendor for continued upgrade, support and maintenance for Trilliant software and infrastructure. Therefore this system is available from only one source and in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 252.022, procurement of commodities and services that are available from one source are exempt from competitive bidding; and if over $50,000 shall be awarded by the governing body; and providing an effective date (File 4485 awarded to Trilliant Networks, Inc. in the three (3) year not-to-exceed amount of $236,938.13).
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Denton Electric Metering Department uses the Trilliant smart grid software to record consumption of electric energy on meters and communicate that information back to DME for monitoring and billing. All Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters on the Trilliant system can be read remotely at any time. Because the system uses two-way communications, DME can serve customers more efficiently, saving time and resources. This software may also detect the location of power outages more rapidly and provide power quality monitoring. This software also provides more efficient customer service and support by, improved handling of customer accounts (i.e. connects, re-connects, service transfers), hourly use data for billing and use inquiries, online presentation of electric usage to interested customers, fewer visits to the meter location, high-level billing and meter read accuracy, fewer trucks on road and more detailed data to plan, construct and optimize DME’s distribution system.
In addition, the Trilliant smart grid software can provide data for upcoming or new services such as pre-paid billing and Time-of-Use billing plans.
If support is not purchased for Trilliant, we will not have access to updates and patches as they are released and immediate access to technical support could be limited. Consistent software patching and maintenance services leads to higher levels of security and compliance. It is important to make use of provided software updates, upgrades, and support tools to maintain security. External threats are ongoing and becoming increasingly sophisticated, requiring ongoing vigilance and maintenance. As security breaches appear to be more common, with more and more companies identified as victims of attacks in recent months, we need ensure that our systems are secure and up-to-date to the latest vendor supported version.
Three years of annual maintenance with contingency for Trilliant is $236,938.13. Support also includes assistance in issues related to application usage, reporting, configuration and setup. It is essential for the City of Denton to keep current maintenance with the software vendor in order to ensure availability of upgrades, software fixes, and access to knowledge and support resources.
The Technology Services department could not identify any local vendors that could provide software maintenance for this application. Therefore, procuring this maintenance from the above vendor is the best value for the City of Denton. Trilliant Networks, Inc. is the sole-source vendor for continued upgrade, support, services, and maintenance for Trilliant software and infrastructure. Section 252.022 of the Local Government Code provides that procurement of commodities and services that are exempt from competitive bidding, if over $50,000, shall be awarded by the governing body.
RECOMMENDATION
|
Trilliant |
Year 1 |
Year 2 (7%) |
Year 3 (7%) |
|
Annual SW Maintenance & Support |
$67,000.00 |
$71,690.00 |
$76,708.30 |
|
10% Contingency for new meters |
$6,700.00 |
$7,169.00 |
$7,670.83 |
|
Grand Total $236,938.13 |
$73,700.00 |
$78,859.00 |
$84,379.13 |
Technology Services recommends awarding to Trilliant Networks, Inc. for software maintenance, and upgrades a three (3) year not-to-exceed amount of $236,938.13.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
Trilliant Networks, Inc.
Redwood City CA
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
October 17, 2017 through October 31, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Funding is budgeted in Technology Services operating account number 830900.6504 starting October 1, 2017.
STRATEGIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP
The City of Denton’s Strategic Plan is an action-oriented road map that will help the City achieve its vision. The foundation for the plan is the five long-term Key Focus Areas (KFA): Organizational Excellence; Public Infrastructure; Economic Development; Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly Community; and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. While individual items may support multiple KFAs, this specific City Council agenda item contributes most directly to the following KFA and goal:
Related Key Focus Area: Public Infrastructure
Related Goal: 1.5 Utilize technology to enhance efficiency and productivity
EXHIBITS
1. Quote
2. Sole Source Letter
Respectfully submitted:
Melissa Kraft, 349-7823
Chief Technology Officer
For information concerning this acquisition, contact:
Melissa Kraft, 349-7823
Chief Technology Officer