Committee forwards $5.7M Sapient contract increase for assessor's property tax system, BLA urges extra oversight

The Budget & Finance Committee on March 15 voted to forward to the full board an amendment to the assessor-recorder's contract with Sapient Corporation that increases implementation authority by roughly $5.7 million to a new not-to-exceed amount of approximately $27.2 million.

Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres told the committee this phase is the most complex because it covers real property and accessory interests, and described the work as part of a long-term effort begun with an RFP in 2017 that included over 2,000 system requirements. Torres said the additional costs will be shared between the vendor and his office and described weekly executive meetings and a steering committee to manage risk.

Nick Menard of the Budget and Legislative Analyst summarized the BLA's review: the project was supposed to be complete in 2021 and is now estimated to finish in February 2024; implementation costs rose by about $6.9 million but maintenance was reduced (from 10 years to 4 years), producing a net increase of $5.7 million. "The city is paying more and getting less than it originally contracted for," Menard said, and the BLA recommended the assessor meet more frequently with the contractor and return to the board in six months for accountability.

Chair Connie Chan asked for a six-month return to check deliverables; Torres agreed to report back. The committee forwarded the amendment to the full board with a positive recommendation.