Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS, LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF A SECONDARY PATHWAY FOR INTERNET SERVICE FOR THE CITY’S VELOCITY BROADBAND SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Executive Summary: This request will allow Velocity Broadband to add a secondary transport to a data center for internet access.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
Velocity Broadband (VB) requests to add a secondary path/transport to a Cleveland data center for internet access. This secondary path will allow VB to meet the multihomed requirements of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and obtain an Autonomous System (AS) Number. An AS number is required to obtain additional internet protocol addresses (IPs) that will be needed in the first quarter of 2016. This second path would also enable VB to provide our customers with a reliable internet connection that is not dependent on one upstream provider. The second path would also be used immediately to supplement our current connection and balance internet traffic.
Staff worked with its consultant, UpTown Services and obtained quotes from four different companies that would provide transport to the Cleveland data center. Windstream Carrier Solutions provided the lowest quote for transport services. The monthly cost of the service is $1,710.00 or $20,520 annually. The term of the agreement is 5 years for a total of $102,600.
Formal bidding of this contract is not required as the pricing is below the Ohio term contract with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS).
The following is a comparison of our pricing to the DAS pricing:
Transport (Windstream) $1,710.00
Data (Cogent)** $ 983.33
Transport & Data (City Cost) $2,693.33 per month
Transport & Data (DAS) $8,000.00 per month
** The contract with Cogent for data is only one year and does not require separate City Council approval.
Timing Considerations
Staff should request Emergency legislation to expedite the provisioning process that will take 120-180 days after contract(s) signature. We will not take service until Spring of 2016.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required. Included in 2016 budget.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Windstream Carrier Solutions.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Jeff Knoblauch, Finance Director
Bill Hilbish, IS Manager