STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: October 28, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Procurement Services
EXECUTIVE: Elizabeth Reich
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a two-year master agreement for the purchase of deaf-hearing communication devices for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and other City departments with sComm, Inc. through the U.S. General Services Administration Advantage cooperative agreement - Estimated amount of $134,100 - Financing: U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Funds
Body
BACKGROUND
This action does not encumber funds; the purpose of a master agreement is to establish firm pricing for goods, for a specific term, which are ordered on an as needed basis according to annual budgetary appropriations. The estimated amount is intended as guidance rather than a cap on spending under the agreement, so that actual need combined with the amount budgeted will determine the amount spent under this agreement.
This master agreement will allow for the purchase of deaf-hearing communication devices for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and other City departments. The communication device enables face-to-face communication between deaf or hard of hearing people and hearing people, without the usual barriers. The devices utilize two small computers that each feature a keyboard and a split screen to show the typed conversations of the two participants, in real time, during a face-to-face meeting.
During the current COVID-19 crisis the communication devices will enhance the ability to communicate more readily and more effectively, with a communication range of approximately 300 feet which maintains a safe social distance with persons who are hearing impaired. They will be used to facilitate conversations with City staff and customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The units will be initially purchased by the Office of Fair Housing and Human Rights and will be distributed to a few select City departments. Additionally, the master agreement will allow other departments to purchase units or units may be available for check-out from the Office of Fair Housing and Human Rights/Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance.
The U.S. General Services Administration Advantage cooperative agreement is authorized by Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code and Subchapter F, Chapter 271, Texas Local Government Code. Section 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code which authorizes a local government to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Program with another local government or a local cooperative organization.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On April 22, 2020, City Council authorized the acceptance of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to aid the COVID-19 response throughout the City by Resolution No. 20-0644.
City Council was briefed on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds to facilitate assistance to eligible communities and households economically impacted by COVID-19 on June 17, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Funds |
$134,100.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
M/WBE INFORMATION
In accordance with the City’s Business Inclusion and Development Policy adopted on September 23, 2020, by Resolution No. 20-1430, as amended, the M/WBE participation on this contract is as follows:
|
Contract Amount |
Category |
M/WBE Goal |
M/WBE % |
M/WBE $ |
|
$134,100.00 |
CO-OP |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
• The Business Inclusion and Development Plan does not apply to Cooperative Purchasing Agreements (CO-OPs). |
|
• sComm, Inc. - Non-Local; Workforce - 0.00% Local |
PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
Method of Evaluation for Award Type:
|
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement |
• Cooperative purchasing agreements enable the City to associate with State agencies, other local governments, or local cooperative organizations comprised of other state and local governments, to leverage market buying power and enable the City to purchase goods or services at lower prices |
|
|
• The cooperative purchasing agreement is an alternative method of meeting the requirements for competitive bidding or competitive sealed proposals, not an exception from that requirement |
OWNER
sComm, Inc.
6238 Hadley St.
Raytown, MO 64133
Jason Curry, Co-Founder