cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Michael Pegues, Chief Information Officer
Jeff Anderson, Deputy Chief Information Officer
DATE: July 22, 2024
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the renewal of an upgraded Executive Programs Membership Basic and Leadership Team Service for IT Research and Advisory Services from Gartner, Inc. for a three-year term.
PURPOSE:
Gartner services have been utilized by the City since 2018. This three-year renewal will provide access to Gartner's advisory services and documentation to more members of the IT Department's Senior Leadership team at a lower per license cost. Given the complexity, expense, and strategic nature of the City’s technology initiatives over the next three to five years, an advisory service agreement of this type is recommended.
BACKGROUND:
Gartner is the largest and most respected source of analysis in the information technology (IT) industry. Gartner serves over 13,000 distinct organizations throughout the world. The company was founded in 1979 and has current annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion. As IT exploded over the last 30 years, this research firm has become a strategic partner to thousands of client organizations. Gartner provides a wide range of services that are unmatched by its competitors.
This agreement will allow City Staff to access the following Gartner products and services:
- Research - Clients can take advantage of the insight gained through Gartner's rigorous research processes and proprietary methodologies. Gartner methodologies consist of research practices, procedures and rules that distill large volumes of data into clear, precise, actionable insight so City staff can formulate plans or make difficult business decisions.
- Contract Review - Gartner analysts review thousands of hardware/software/service contracts each year and will provide pricing proposal and comparative analysis, business terms and conditions review, and negotiation strategy advice.
- Analyst Access - Analysts publish thousands of pages of original research annually. As a client, City staff will have access to analysts to discuss all areas of current/future projects such as planning, implementing, communication efforts, and purchasing strategies.
- Benchmarking Analytics - Data will be provided in the areas of performance, infrastructure, applications, vendors, customer satisfaction, and purchasing policies.
- Peer Networking - This is most often an underappreciated service in public sector agencies. Gartner hosts an annual Symposium, numerous Summits, and a myriad of opportunities for IT professionals to connect because they are geographically close or are working on similar initiatives. The City’s Gartner representative works to ensure that this component of our agreement is successfully utilized.
DISCUSSION:
Gartner’s services have been utilized in the decision-making process and execution of many technology initiatives identified in the IT strategic plan.
Gartner’s research has guided IT staff in navigating constantly changing technology marketplaces as well as understanding technology providers’ current and trending competitive advantages, strategies, and challenges. Gartner’s services are paramount to leading and communicating an innovative mindset by educating IT on emerging technologies and the impact across many business sectors.
Direct access to Gartner analysts resulted in helping City staff make educated selections of APD Body Cameras, NextGen911 solution, Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal, Managed Security Services, the completion of several RFPs, and provided guidance to IT senior executives on the technology marketplace for input into the IT Strategic Plan, vendor negotiation processes and COVID-related IT management trends.
Cost for year 1 is $141,812.00, year 2 is $148,153.00 (4.5% increase) and year 3 is $154,760.00 (4.5% increase).
This three year term is for $444,725.00 which is a reduction of $123,684.00 over the renewal approved in 2021 via Council Resolution R21-281.
Funds are available in 101-1280-419.32-80 for this purchase.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This service is designed for the most senior technology executives in the City. This Service has provided the IT Department with an ongoing advisory relationship with Gartner and it has optimized citywide technology costs, staffing, policy, processes and procedures.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the resolution be adopted.
cc: [Finance Committee]
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the renewal of an upgraded Executive Programs Membership Basic and Leadership Team Service for IT Research and Advisory Services from Gartner, Inc. for a three-year term.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Gartner, Inc. is uniquely positioned to provide IT specific research & advisory services that have a high return on investment, and
WHEREAS, Gartner is the largest and most respected source of analysis in the information technology (IT) industry, and
WHEREAS, Gartner services have been utilized effectively by IT Staff since 2018, and
WHEREAS, A funds are available in 101-1280-419-32-80 for this purchase.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that an agreement authorizing the Director of Purchasing to the purchase an upgraded Executive Programs Membership Basic and Leadership Team Service for IT Research and Advisory Services from Gartner, Inc. of Stamford, CT for a three-year term and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Purchasing shall be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the City such documents, orders or agreements necessary to carry the purposes of this Resolution into execution.