To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marc Shorr, Information Technology Director
Report Title: Purchase Order 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 with Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC (a CDW Company), an IBM reseller, for the purchase of IBM mainframe maintenance and tape storage, subject to Sirius’ terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the IBM Customer Agreement and Master Services Attachment for ServiceElite, in an amount not to exceed $98,000 for mainframe hardware maintenance and support services for the period of April 11, 2024, through April 10, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of this product is included in the Department’s FY23-24 budget, 100% User Departments.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Information Technology’s (DOIT’s) Technical Services Operations division, in conjunction with support from an outside vendor, 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.
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.
This item was competitively bid by three vendors. Sirius was chosen because of their in-depth knowledge of the County’s mainframe equipment, which provides continuity of service.
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.