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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Michael Pegues, Chief Information Officer
DATE: May 18, 2018
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting an annual subscription for Executive Programs Member Basic Service for IT Research and Advisory Services from Gartner, Inc. of 56 Top Gallant Road, Stamford, CT 06904 in the amount of $55,900.
PURPOSE:
Gartner is uniquely positioned to provide IT specific research & advisory services that have a high return on investment unparalleled by competitors in the market. This agreement will allow Aurora to access the following products and services:
Research - Clients can take advantage of 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 clients can formulate plans or make difficult business decisions.
Analyst Access - Analysts publish thousands of pages of original research annually. As a client, City of Aurora will have access to analysts to discuss all areas of current/future projects such as planning, implementing, communication efforts and purchasing strategies.
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.
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 working on similar initiatives. The City’s Gartner representative works diligently to ensure this component of the agreement is successfully utilized.
Gartner’s services will valuable in the decision-making processes and execution of technology initiatives identified in the City’s IT Strategic Plan (Technology Roadmap) once developed. Gartner’s research will help guide City of Aurora in navigating constantly changing technology marketplace; 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 City staff and Council on emerging technologies and the impact across a myriad of business sectors.
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.
Please see comparative quotes from market competitors - Forrester and IDC Services in the attachment section, ranging from $75,000 - $100,000.
Crowe Horwath advised that they do not provide this mix of services and is better suited for project-based IT Advisory and ad hoc research services.
DISCUSSION:
Funds are available in the 2018 Information Technology account 101-1380-419-32-20 in pursuant of a budget transfer of $55,900 from 101-1380-419-38-11.
There were no additional charges for the testing, demos and or pre-work delivered to the City since January 2018. The City of Aurora will be positioned to hit the ground running and maximize the use of this subscription once the item has been approved. Gartner has no outstanding debt with the City.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This service is designed for the most senior technology executive in the organization, typically the CIO. This Service will provide the City of Aurora IT Division with an ongoing advisory relationship with Gartner to optimize citywide technology costs, staffing, policy, processes, procedures, etc.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended for approval to make the aforementioned purchase.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution requesting an annual subscription for Executive Programs Member Basic Service from Gartner, Inc. of 56 Top Gallant Road, Stamford, CT 06904 in the amount of $55,900.
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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, there is a local network of Gartner government clients including: Naperville, O’Fallon, Chicago, Cook County, CTA and Dupage County that already use their services, and
WHEREAS, Gartner is the largest and most respected source of analysis in the information technology (IT) industry, and
WHEREAS, Funds are available in the 2018 Information Technology account 101-1380-419-32-20 in pursuant of a budget transfer of $55,900 from 101-1380-419-38-11.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Aurora Code Section 2-335(a)(3) the desired product is provided by only one source in this situation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: a resolution requesting an annual subscription for Executive Programs Member Basic Service from Gartner, Inc. of 56 Top Gallant Road, Stamford, CT 06904 in the amount of $55,900.