To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Library
Meeting Date: March 11, 2025
|
Department Contact: |
Barb Chapman |
Phone: |
707-367-8216 |
|
Department Contact: |
Mellisa Hannum |
Phone: |
707-882-3114 |
|
Item Type: Consent Agenda |
|
Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Approval of Agreement to Purchase Equipment and Provide Data for the Library’s Mobile Hotspot Lending Program from Verizon Wireless in the Estimated Amount of $21,575 for 100 Hotspots and Monthly Data and Management Software Expenses of $1,353 for an Initial 90-Day Period After Which the Agreement will be a Month-to-Month Term Until Services are Terminated
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Approve Agreement to purchase equipment and provide data for the Library’s mobile hotspot lending program from Verizon Wireless in the estimated amount of $21,575 for 100 hotspots and monthly data and management software expenses of $1,353 for an initial 90-day period after which the agreement will be a month-to-month term until services are terminated; authorize the Library Director or designee to sign any future amendments; and authorize Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors approved the library hotspot grant application on July 14, 2020: item 4g; approved broadband funding and projects October 1, 2019: agenda item 4i; July 14, 2020: item 4f; December 15, 2020: item 4h; approved the hotspot data award on January 4, 2022: item 4v; approved submission of the application for additional hotspot data and laptops on June 7, 2022: item 3ab; and authorized acceptance of funding and participation in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund to provide data for the library’s mobile hotspot lending program on September 13, 2022: item 3w.
Summary of Request:
The Mendocino County Library’s popular hotspot lending program was established in efforts to help to move towards the goal of “A Prepared and Resilient County” by providing broadband access to residents with unmet needs. This program provides people who do not have their own Wi-Fi service the ability to borrow a hotspot with their library card. These devices enable patrons to be able to access the internet at home or other locations away from library branches and complete important tasks such as applying for jobs, completing coursework, or applying for assistance.
The Library applied for E-Rate funding and submitted RFP 031-24 in cooperation with County IT. Verizon’s limited distance learning program was selected for its affordability and Mendocino County data coverage. The cost for 100 hotspots is $21,575 and data and management software for each year would be $16,236. The first year E-Rate may reimburse $19,538 and in subsequent years up to $10,800. The contract minimum line term is three months, and the discounted contract continues through March 12, 2029, unless terminated earlier. The Library will reevaluate the program during the contract according to funding. If E-Rate funding falls through, the library will purchase a reduced number of hotspots within the Library budget.
The Library recommends approval of the Limited Distance Learning Authorized Customer Agreement with Verizon Wireless for the Anytime-Anywhere Learning Initiative data plan and equipment for the Library’s mobile hotspot learning program. This negotiated contract pricing is available to California K-12 public schools and California public libraries.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Provide alternate direction.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Prepared and Resilient County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: <https://www.mendolibrary.org/borrow/wifi-hotspots>
<https://www.usac.org/e-rate/applicant-process/before-you-begin/off-premises-wi-fi-hotspots-summary-overview/>
Fiscal Details:
|
source of funding: BU 6110 and E-Rate |
|
current f/y cost: N/A Purchases budgeted for FY 25/26 |
|
budget clarification: First year up tp $37,811 - E-Rate reimbursement of $19,538 |
|
annual recurring cost: up to $16,236 - E-Rate reimbursements of $10,800 |
|
budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
|
revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes
CEO Liaison: Cherie Johnson, HR Director
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
|
Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
|
Date: March 11, 2025 |
Executed Item Type: Agreement |
|
|
Number: 25-021 |
|
|
|