DEPARTMENT: Convention & Sports Facilities
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael J. Sawaya
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
Smart City Contract Extension
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a ten (10) year extension to the data and telecommunications contract between the City and Smart City Networks, LLC commencing on July 1, 2018, after expiration of the current contract.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Smart City Networks, LLC provides telephone, internet, network, and wireless services to customers of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (HBGCC) and is the premier provider of technology services for 14 of the top 25 convention centers in the U.S. In June 2008, City Council authorized a five (5) year extension with a five (5) year renewal option in consideration of a $250,000.00 investment to upgrade the WiFi system and IT infrastructure at the HBGCC. The Convention and Sports Facilities Department exercised the five (5) year renewal option in return for an additional $375,000.00 in wireless and infrastructure improvements. The current agreement with Smart City is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2018 and has no renewal options.
ISSUE:
A key consideration and major expense of the convention center expansion project is to ensure that technology in the new building interfaces with the existing convention center. In October 2014, Smart City approached the City with a major capital investment offer to further upgrade the data and telecommunications network infrastructure, including adding new wireless access points in the existing footprint of the convention center as well as to the expanded areas to increase speed and capacity for Wi-Fi. The following are the key terms of the agreement:
* Complete overhaul and replacement of the Convention Center's technology infrastructure both in the existing building and in the new expanded Center estimated at $1.9 million
* Ten (10)-year extension term beginning Jul...
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