Title
Resolution to Approve a Purchase Order to Dell Marketing L.P. for Replacing Server Equipment ($34,675.82)
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution authorizing a purchase order to Dell Marketing L.P. for Server equipment replacement (two servers, one storage system, and related accessories) for $34,675.82.
Fiscal/Budget Impact: This expenditure is planned for and budgeted in the FY2019 Information Technology Services Fund budget.
Dell servers will be procured under the MiDEAL Extended Purchasing Program, a program allowing use of state contracts to buy goods and services for Michigan Cities and other nonprofit entities. Dell, through agreements such as MiDEAL, has consistently provided the lowest price for servers and has been providing server equipment to the City of Ann Arbor for over fourteen years.
Information Technology utilizes “software virtualization” technology and Dell Servers to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the City’s data center by providing, performance, scalability and high availability for City operations within a virtual server environment.
Computing hardware advancements coupled with software virtualization technology allows the City to run a vast majority of mission critical systems (greater than 90%) within a virtual server environment, reducing operational costs and the total number of physical server acquisitions required.
The Dell Servers currently running the City’s virtual server environment are mission critical, nearing end of life, and require replacement. The City’s Technology Plan calls for the replacement of servers after five (5) years of service in accordance with industry best practice.
These servers will be installed at the Water Treatment Plant. We run computing capacity directly on site so a network disruption does not hamper their ability to perform critical operations related to water treatment.
The accompanying resolution authorizes the creation of a purchase order to Dell in the amount of $34,675.82 for replacement of server equipment as described above.
Staff
Prepared by: Jennifer Grimes, Senior Infrastructure Lead, Information Technology
Reviewed by: Tom Shewchuk, Financial Services Area Administrator and CFO
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Dell Servers currently running the City’s server virtualization environment are mission critical, nearing end of life, and require replacement;
Whereas, Dell Marketing, LP (“Dell”) has provided mission critical server equipment to the City of Ann Arbor for over fourteen years through competitive pricing agreements such as MiDEAL;
Whereas, Funding for this expenditure is planned for and budgeted for in the FY2019 Information Technology Budget; and
Whereas, Dell complies with the requirements of the City’s Living Wage and Non-Discrimination Ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a purchase order to Dell Marketing L.P. for server equipment replacement described in the attached quote, subject to the City’s General Terms and Conditions, in the amount of $34,675.82 to be expended from the FY19 Information Technology Budget; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this Resolution, including the issuance of a purchase order.