To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marc Shorr, Information Technology Director
Report Title: Purchase Order with AT&T under the Fast Open Contracts Utilization Services (FOCUS) Program
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, on behalf of the Chief Information Officer, to execute a purchase order with AT&T Enterprises, LLC for the County’s use of the Fast Open Contracts Utilization Services (FOCUS) Program, established by Merced County, as a cooperative procurement vehicle for the acquisition of AT&T technology goods and services, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for the period of September 15th, 2025, through July 12, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of this product is included in the Department’s FY 25-26 budget. 100% User Departments.
BACKGROUND:
The FOCUS (Fast Open Contracts Utilization Services) contract with AT&T will serve as a streamlined and flexible procurement option, enabling the Department of Information Technology to efficiently obtain critical networking equipment, cabling, and related infrastructure. Planned uses of this AT&T contract include support for several key County initiatives, such as the implementation of Webex Calling, core Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure upgrades, renewal of server hardware for the Sheriff’s Office, and deployment of backup power systems at County radio communications sites. The contract may also be utilized for general network maintenance and emergency replacement of infrastructure components to maintain reliable and secure County operations. Leveraging this contract allows the County to respond quickly to evolving technology requirements while maintaining operational continuity.
The FOCUS Program, established by Merced County through a competitive public solicitation (RFP No. 7370), provides a pre-qualified, legally compliant cooperative contracting vehicle for California local governments and other eligible public entities. The program was developed in accordance with California Government Code 25330–25338 and public procurement best practices. FOCUS allows participating agencies to acquire a wide range of technology solutions including telecommunications, network security, cloud hosting, and consulting services through competitively awarded contracts with multiple vendors such as AT&T.
Legal review by County Counsel has confirmed the eligibility of the County to utilize the FOCUS Program, allowing the County to benefit from pre-competed pricing and terms, reduce procurement timelines, and access a broad portfolio of pre-vetted vendors.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without authorization to use the FOCUS Program, County departments would be required to independently conduct time-consuming and duplicative competitive procurements for routine technology needs, potentially resulting in higher costs, administrative delays, and limited vendor competition.