CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: March 5, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Bill Gallardo, Interim City Manager;
Rolland Kornblau, Director of Information Technology
Department: Information Technology
Subject: Approval of a Purchase Order with T-Mobile for Wireless Voice and Data Services (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a purchase order and execute related documents for Fiscal Year 2024-25 in the amount of $180,000 to T-Mobile utilizing pricing and general terms established in the State of California Participating Addendum #PA-2022-WDV-TMUS to the NASPO Value Point Master Agreement #MA176 for Wireless Data, Voice, and Accessories.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to utilize any future NASPO negotiated agreement, or amended existing contract agreement, to execute additional purchase orders in accordance with the Council approved budgeted amount through the NASPO’s agreement’s expiration. This authorization includes the ability to add additional lines as needed for personnel changes.
Executive Summary
The City of San Bernardino is currently utilizing Verizon Wireless for mobile communication services. A cost analyst and field test with T-Mobile has been conducted to evaluate potential savings and improvements. T-Mobile offers cost savings, improved 5G Network coverage, and the provision of mobile devices for public safety officers with easier configuration. Ensuring wireless access for all public safety officers is crucial for quick emergency response, effective communication, and accessing important real-time information. Approval of this transition is recommended to enhance the City’s overall cost efficiency and service capabilities.
Background
The city currently relies on Verizon for wireless communication. To Optimize costs and enhance service coverage, a cost analyst and field test were conducted with T-Mobile.
The cost analyst involved comparing the pricing structure of both Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile. The evaluation revealed savings and offered the provision to provide mobile devices to all public safety officers at current expenditures. Reliable wireless access for all safety officers is crucial for quick emergency response, effective communication, and accessing important real-time information. The field test results showed that T- Mobile provided 5G coverage and network reliability, particularly in critical areas used by public safety officers concluding that T-Mobile meets the city’s communication needs.
Discussion
City Staff is proposing the transition of its wireless service provider from Verizon Wireless to T-Mobile to achieve cost savings, improved service coverage, and additional mobile devices for public safety use. T-Mobile offers competitive pricing on their unlimited plans, which decreases the city’s expenditure from Verizon’s $39.99 to $29.75 per device on most lines. Additionally, the unlimited First Responders plan will drop from $39.99 to $33.60 per device, resulting in an average annual saving of $42,000.
The first year’s initial cost will be approximately $180,000. T-Mobile’s proposal includes a monthly charge of $5,812.80 for the Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) and routers, as well as $22,466 for the cellular service plans. There is also a onetime cost of $40,405.71 for equipment, which will be offset by a $34,375 buyback credit. Currently, there are sufficient funds in IT’s Network and Cellular approved budget to cover this cost for FY 24-25. Future purchase orders will be contingent on the council-approved budget for cellular service and network charges. Additionally, staff is requesting to add additional devices each fiscal year as needed for personnel changes.
Staff is also requesting the utilization the NASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials) Master Price Agreement to execute additional purchase orders as needed through the agreement’s expiration. This flexibility is essential to respond to the evolving needs of the City. The NASPO agreement provides a streamlined procurement process and leverages the collective purchasing power of multiple government entities, resulting in competitive pricing and favorable contract terms for the city.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The request aligns with Key Strategic Goal #2 Focused, Aligned leadership and Unified Community. To Evaluate operations and performance, investment in resources, technology and to continually improve organizational efficient and effectiveness.
Fiscal Impact
Funding for this agreement is included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Information Technologies Budget.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a purchase order and execute related documents for Fiscal Year 2024-25 in the amount of $180,000 to T-Mobile utilizing pricing and general terms established in the State of California Participating Addendum #PA-2022-WDV-TMUS to the NASPO Value Point Master Agreement #MA176 for Wireless Data, Voice, and Accessories.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to utilize any future NASPO negotiated agreement, or amended existing contract agreement, to execute additional purchase orders in accordance with the Council approved budgeted amount through the NASPO’s agreement’s expiration. This authorization includes the ability to add additional lines as needed for personnel changes.
Attachments
Attachment 1 City of San Bernardino Proposal
Attachment 2 City of San Bernardino Quote Updated
Attachment 3 NASPO AMENDMENT
Attachment 4 NASPO ADDENDUM
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
None