To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marc Shorr, Information Technology Director
Report Title: Purchase Order Amendment with Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC
☒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 amendment with Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC (a CDW Company), an IBM reseller, to increase the payment limit by $17,000 to $91,000 for the purchase of additional IBM mainframe maintenance and tape storage, with no change to the existing term expiring April 10, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of this product is included in the Department’s FY 25-26 budget. 100% User Departments.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Information Technology’s (DoIT’s) Technical Services Operations division maintains the County’s IBM mainframe computer system, to ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of the mainframe infrastructure which are critical to the county’s business operations. Sirius was selected many years ago (via RFP) as the vendor to handle installation of the county’s mainframe computer system, which makes them uniquely qualified to provide 24x7x365 hardware maintenance and support. Sirius has a long history of providing IT solutions and services, including mainframe maintenance, and provides a customized solution tailored to the specific requirements of the county. Their experience in working across different industries gives them insights into the specific needs and challenges of mainframe maintenance. Sirius holds certifications and partnerships with major technology providers, including IBM, which is crucial for maintaining and servicing mainframe hardware effectively. These certifications demonstrate their expertise and commitment to quality service.
The Department currently has Purchase Order #32346 for IBM mainframe maintenance and tape storage, effective through April 10, 2026, and was originally approved by the Board on March 25, 2025. This amendment request is to add additional hardware to our existing maintenance plan.
Sirius’s terms and conditions contain a limitation of Sirius’s liability to the total compensation paid or payable to Sirius from the county under this agreement.
IBM’s Customer Agreement contains a limitation of IBM’s liability to the following:
1) Payments referred to in IBM’s patent and copyright terms.
2) Bodily injury (including death), and damage to real property and tangible personal property.
3) The amount of any other actual loss or damage, up to greater of $100,000 or the charges for the product or service that is the subject of the claim.
The Sirius products and services are being purchased vis sole source justification. Purchasing approved the sole source on April 08, 2025.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this purchase is not approved DoIT operations will not have the ability to maintain the County’s mainframe computer system, which is critical to the County’s business operations.