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INFORMATION SYSTEMS - Manager David Bliss
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Requested Action(s)
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a) AGREEMENT - Request approval and authorization for the Purchasing Agent to sign the Master Services Agreement with Vertical Communication Inc. and further authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign all future documents to allow County Departments to opt in for services at the negotiated rates
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Financial Impact:
Financial Impact will vary by number of users and will be paid by the budgets of each Department opting in for use of these services.
Background Information:
Tehama County is addressing aging and failing phone systems by transitioning to a more reliable and secure Voice over IP (VoIP) solution. Several Departments have already identified failed or failing systems and are prepared to move forward upon approval.
The proposed Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Vertical Communications, Inc. establishes standardized pricing, terms, and services for Zoom Phone across County Departments. This approach allows Departments to opt in as needed without requiring separate agreements, improving efficiency, consistency, and cost control.
Key benefits of this partnership include:
- Pre-negotiated, consistent pricing to ensure cost control across Departments
- Streamlined purchasing and deployment to reduce administrative overhead
- Centralized vendor management and support for improved accountability and service reliability
Key benefits to residents from moving to a VoIP solution include:
- Improved reliability and resiliency, including cloud-based redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities
- Enhanced customer service and accessibility, including features such as automated information lines (e.g., air quality hotline updates), call-back options instead of waiting on hold, and improved call routing
- Long-term sustainability, as traditional phone lines (POTS) are being phased out by providers such as AT&T
This approach replaces failing infrastructure, improves reliability, and supports long-term sustainability as traditional phone lines (POTS) continue to be phased out by providers such as AT&T, while ensuring a fiscally responsible and scalable path forward for County Departments.