BOARD MEETING DATE: October 5, 2007
AGENDA NO. 8

PROPOSAL:

Authorize Purchase of Desktop Computer Hardware Upgrades

SYNOPSIS:

AQMD operational efficiency is dependent on staffs' desktop computer systems, and many software applications (both off-the-shelf and in-house developed applications) are exceeding the capacity of the present desktop systems. This action is to authorize purchase of new desktop computer systems, with adequate capacity to support current software applications, to replace older desktop systems. These replacements are in accord with AQMD's Information Management Strategic Plan. Funds for this purchase ($150,000) are included in the FY 2007-08 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, September 14, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize purchase of up to 200 new desktop computer systems from JPK Micro Supply, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $150,000, which is allocated in the FY 2007-08 Budget.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD has become increasingly dependent on desktop computers for its operational efficiency. The desktop computer uses the suite of standard desktop applications (word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, presentation, and desktop database management), and utilization of these components has steadily increased to the point that maximum capacity has been reached. Some of the components will soon be unsupported due to the age of the equipment.

AQMD desktop computers have been upgraded to Microsoft Office XP to support Permit Streamlining recommendations and rule amendments.  Furthermore, many desktop systems are required to run the AQMD's Finance/Human Resource applications (PeopleSoft), Record Services imaging, and workflow automation applications.  Computing capacity of many of AQMD’s desktop computers hampers the performance of these applications.

Therefore, in accordance with Information Management’s Strategic Plan, and to efficiently support staff, all Pentium 4 2GHz systems (and below) will be replaced.

Bid Evaluation

In accordance with the AQMD’s Purchasing Policy and Procedure No. 35, bids for desktop computer hardware with the following configuration were solicited from the firms on the list of prequalified vendors for the Purchase of Computer, Network, Printer, and Related Services in order to obtain the best available price:

• Case: Antec NSK4400 (w/380W power supply)
• Motherboard: Intel BOXDG965WHMKR G965 chip set
• Processor: Intel CORE 2 DUO E6600, 2.4GHz (BX80557E6600)
• RAM: Corsair VS1GB667D2 1GB PC25300 DDR2 DIMM
• Hard Drive: (Qty=2) Seagate 160GB ST3160812AS SATA-II 300MB
• DVD/CD: Pioneer DVR-112DBK 18X DVD RW
• Warranty: 3 Years Parts and Labor

The prequalified vendor list was approved by the Board on February 3, 2006, and is in effect for a period ending February 2, 2008. Of the twelve vendors on the list, one was from certified disabled veteran-owned, three were from certified women-minority-owned, seven were from certified minority-owned, and one was from a non-certified minority-owned business enterprise. One vendor, Zone Corporate Solutions, Inc., has been dropped off the prequalified vendors list since no forwarding address or telephone number has been given to Procurement and therefore the vendor cannot be contacted to secure bids.

Four complete bids for the desktop computer hardware were received (see Attachment). One submitted a ‘No Bid’, and two did not meet the requirements of the RFQ. JPK Micro Supply, Inc. submitted the lowest bid at $595.00 per unit. The total cost of 200 new desktop computer hardware systems, including tax of 8.25%, is $128,820.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are included in the FY 2007-08 Budget, District General, Office Expense Account.

Attachments
Evaluation of Bids from Prequalified Vendor List

Attachment

Evaluation of Bids from Prequalified Vendor List

* Price includes 8.25% tax.