Title
Resolution to Approve a Contract with the Azimuth Group, Inc. for a Needs Assessment for a Financial Management System for $160,000.00
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve a contract with The Azimuth Group, Inc. for a needs assessment for a new financial management system. The assessment is to be completed by July 31, 2009.
The Procurement Office of Financial Services solicited proposals (RFP-725) for this service. The needs assessment is intended to evaluate the City's needs with respect to financial applications from both a user standpoint as well as a technical standpoint. The business case will provide an independent and objective analysis of the City's current financial system. As part of the City's long-term strategic plan for Information Technology, the City has been planning for this project for the last five years and has the funding set aside in the Information Technology Fund. A web-based financial management system is intended to be an updated solution to improve the City's functionality and replace the City's currently installed AMS (American Management System) Advantage 2000 application. The new financial system is expected not to exceed $1,052,000 and is included in the Information Technology Project Plan budget.
Additionally, the City of Ann Arbor is designing the needs assessment and RFP development with an eye towards future collaboration opportunities with Washtenaw County. The County originally intended to participate in this needs assessment but cannot do so at this time due to budget constraints.
Fifteen proposals were received and The Azimuth Group was chosen as the best respondent by a committee representing the City and County. Their proposal reflected an innovative understanding of the nature of our needs in local government with respect to streamlining resources, sharing services with other governmental units, and providing a unique prospective on how to gain efficiencies with a new system.
Staff
Prepared by: Karen Lancaster, Accounting Services Manager
Reviewed by: Tom Crawford, Chief Financial Officer
Body
Whereas, A web-based Financial Management System is intended to be an updated solution to improve the City's functions and replace the City's currently installed AMS (American Management System) Advantage 2000 application;
Whereas, An assessment is necessary to identify specific financial management system needs of the City and will include the feasibility of a collaborative effort with Washtenaw County;
Whereas, RFP-725 was issued by the Procurement Unit for this service and The Azimuth Group, Inc. was chosen as the best respondent as their proposal reflected an innovative understanding of the nature of our needs in local government with respect to streamlining resources;
Whereas, The Azimuth Group, Inc. received Living Wage and Human Rights approval on April 20, 2009; and
Whereas, Funding for the City's portion of the contract is available through the Information Technology Special Projects fund;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a contract with The Azimuth Group, Inc. for $160,000, to be expended without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize and direct the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract with The Azimuth Group, Inc. subject to approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, The City Administrator is authorized to take the necessary administrative steps to implement this Resolution.