REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PAUL AMICO, PE, Director
Department of Public Utilities
BRYON HORN, Chief Information Officer
Information Services Department
BY: FRANK C. VAWTER, Assistant Director
Information Services Department
LUKE DRAPER, Information Services Supervisor - Utilities
Information Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Cooperative Purchase Agreement with AMS.net, LLC, for the purchase of enterprise-grade technology equipment in an amount not to exceed $975,596.40, Merced County FOCUS Contract No. 2021092 (Original Government Contract)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that City Council approve the Cooperative Purchase Agreement with AMS.net, LLC, for the purchase of enterprise-grade technology equipment in an amount not to exceed $975,596.40, through Merced County FOCUS Contract No. 2021092 (Original Government Contract).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Public Utilities - Wastewater Division, in coordination with the Information Services Department (ISD), operates multiple enterprise-grade technology systems that are essential to wastewater management and day-to-day business operations. Critical components of these systems have reached or exceeded manufacturer-designated end-of-life (EOL) status, posing risks to system reliability, cybersecurity, and long-term supportability.
To maintain system performance, ensure data redundancy, and support uninterrupted operations across both wastewater management and administrative functions, staff recommends the replacement of this equipment through a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Vendor, at a total cost not to exceed $975,596.40.
BACKGROUND
The City’s use of cooperative purchasing for technology acquisitions has been supported by prior Council actions and resolutions, which have authorized similar agreements for IT infrastructure upgrades and related services. These actions reflect a broader strategic commitment to modernizing municipal technology systems, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring prudent stewardship of public funds.
In support of critical wastewater processing functions and business operations, the Department of Public Utilities - Wastewater Division, deploys a wide array of enterprise-grade technology. The reliability of these supporting technology systems is paramount. Maintaining manufacturer’s support - including access to replacement parts, technical support, and software updates - ensures optimal performance and the continued application of critical security patches. Absent replacement of these end-of-life systems, failure of existing equipment could significantly disrupt operations. To maintain system performance and support uninterrupted operations across wastewater management and administrative functions, this equipment must be replaced.
The Cooperative Purchase Agreement with AMS.net, LLC, for enterprise-grade technology equipment, will be funded through appropriations already established within the City’s departmental operating budgets for the current fiscal year. This purchase supports the City’s long-term strategy to maintain a secure, reliable, and scalable technology environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the approval of this purchase is not a “Project” for the purpose of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because this item is a cooperative purchase.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund. Funding for this purchase is included in the Wastewater Division’s Fiscal Year 2-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
Attachment:
Cooperative Purchase Agreement