Department: Management and Budget
Department Head/Elected Official: Daniel Ramos
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Discussion Item
Project ID (if applicable): NA
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): NA
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): NA
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): NA
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for discussion and possible action for Budget Policy for Countywide Computer (laptop, desktop, and tablet) purchases.
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Background and Discussion:
Commissioners Court approved a new debt policy on 4/23/24 (Item #47) that will allow the County to begin using non-voted debt to purchase groups of computers (laptops, desktops, and tablets). OMB has worked with Universal Services (US) to establish a new Countywide process to purchase computers as a part of a holistic asset management initiative.
The attached policy outlines proposed funding policies for computers purchased through US. The basis for such purchases are outlined in the IT Asset Management Policy, approved on 3/26/24 (Item #225).
Expected Impact:
Centralizing all computer purchases through US using debt could streamline procurement processes and potentially yield cost savings for the County. Centralization would also lead to more consistent technology standards and maintenance protocols, simplifying IT support across departments. Furthermore, a centralized purchasing system can enable better tracking and management of the county's technology assets, ensuring that all departments are equipped with up-to-date and compatible equipment, while improving the County's cybersecurity. Freeing up General Fund that had previously been used to purchase debt-eligible equipment would also provide additional resources for other programming.
On the other hand, shifting to a centralized purchasing system with debt might introduce new challenges. Departments...
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