Sole Source for S21-N29467 - Approve an ordinance awarding a sole source contract to Newsbank, Inc. in the maximum contract amount not to exceed $1,453,572.90 for subscription services to access digital archives of the Houston Chronicle for the Houston Public Library.
Specific Explanation:
The Director of the Houston Public Library and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an ordinance awarding an eight-year sole source contract to Newsbank, Inc. in the maximum contract amount not to exceed $1,453,572.90 for subscription services to access digital archives of the Houston Chronicle for the Houston Public Library (HPL).
The scope of work requires the vendor to provide remote access to its proprietary interface database of digital collections through Newsbank, Inc.'s Subscription and Perpetual License Agreement. The subscription will provide access to a digital collection including eight (8) sets of chronological digital archived products. The perpetual license is a one-time fee for access to each set of collections ranging from years 1923 - 2011. Through the subscription/license agreement, HPL seeks to purchase new digital microform versions of collections of the Houston Chronicle. This new digital microform version is accessed remotely and provides a searchable format to HPL licensed users replacing the obsolete and degrading physical microfilm currently utilized. Newsbank, Inc.'s licensed/proprietary products are among the leading resources for educational and research platforms providing a compilation of comprehensive listings that benefit the remote library users and libraries citywide.
Newsbank, Inc. is the sole developer, owner, publisher, and licensor for the subscriptions. These products are not available through a distributor, nor are they supported or maintained by any other entity. These are proprietary products licensed and copyrighted by Newsbank, Inc.
The Houston Public Library is required to expend a minimum amount of funds per capita to retain it’s state accreditation. This expenditure will count toward the minimum and help maintain HPL’s accreditation in the State Library System
This recommendation is made pursuant to Chapter 252, Section 252.022 (a) (7) (A) “a procurement of items that are available from only one source because of patents, copyrights, secret processes, or natural monopolies” of the Texas Local Government Code for exempt procurement.
M/WBE Subcontracting:
Zero-Percentage Goal document approved by the Office of Business Opportunity.
Hire Houston First (HHF):
This procurement is exempt from the City’s Hire Houston First Ordinance. Bid/proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing a sole source vendor for the purchase.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2021 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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Jerry Adams, Chief Procurement Officer
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division
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Department Approval Authority
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Estimated Spending Authority
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DEPARTMENT
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FY2021
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OUTYEARS
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TOTAL
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Houston Public Library
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$195,490.80
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$1,258,082.10
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$1,453,572.90
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