CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
November 5, 2024 {{section.number}}c
AUTHORIZE FIVE-YEAR, $500,000 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT FOR
LEASED FIBER OPTIC NETWORK SERVICES FOR CITY INTERNET AND NETWORKING NEEDS
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Spectrum Enterprise”) to provide fiber optic networking, private networking, and Internet services to City buildings for a contract term of five (5) years and approve a contract not to exceed amount of $500,000 including contingency to account for future usage increases or service expansion.
BACKGROUND:
City staff maintain miles of City-owned fiber optic cables connecting major City buildings. ensuring high-speed connections to meet the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure requirements.
However, three remote locations – the Golf Administration Offices, the Lifeguard Tower and Service Building, and the Cays Fire Station – currently lack direct fiber optics connections despite significant networking needs. These sites are currently connected to the City’s primary data center through leased fiber lines provided by Spectrum.
In addition, Public Services & Engineering has requested fiber connections for three new connections: the Parker Pump Station, the storage yard at First & A Avenue, and the storage yard at Fourth & Alameda Blvd, which do not currently have access to City-owned fiber. The IT Division also manages five Internet circuits with Spectrum for essential services, including staff internet, public WiFi, golf public WiFi, and two other dedicated purposes.
This contract approval will not include cable TV services, which are used at various City buildings.
ANALYSIS:
In accordance with Coronado Municipal Code 8.04.060, a formal request for proposals was issued to solicit the best pricing and service levels for Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, and fiber optic services. For these three categories, staff received responses from Spectrum and two other providers. The selection team scored all submissions for capabilities to provide services in all requested City buildings, municipal experience, service level agreements, and pricing.
Spectrum’s submission was the highest scoring proposal because they have the most complete access to all required buildings and locations, and they are able to provide consolidated support for all services at a reasonable price.
This contract scope accounts for eight existing circuits and three new circuits.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget for IT telecommunications (10014403-80210) includes $115,000, which will support the eight existing circuits. Future fiscal year budget requests will be adjusted as needed to support future usage increases or service expansion, to account for the contingency included in this request. The three circuits requested by PS&E will be paid out of existing wastewater, parks, and facilities telecommunications budgets.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council could choose not to award the contract or provide alternative direction.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Charter agreement
Submitted By: Administrative Services Department / Brian Lewton