Council panel approves $787,213 cooperative agreement to continue route-management software

The committee approved a substitute resolution authorizing the mayor or designee to sign cooperative agreements for a route-management system with RouteWare Inc., using a Houston-Galveston cooperative agreement, for a one-year term not to exceed $787,213.

Commissioner Turner described the software as central to operations, saying, "This is the software that runs our operations. It's really critical for operations," and noted the existing arrangement was expiring on Feb. 20. Turner told the committee staff pursued a cooperative purchase to maintain continuity while evaluating alternatives over the next year.

Several councilmembers questioned why the procurement submission, made in March, had not moved earlier. Deshondra Poole, assistant director in the Department of Procurement, said the department was transitioning to a new procurement process and was trying to ensure the correct procurement method was used. Poole said staff would follow up with information about how many contracts may have been delayed by that transition.

Councilmembers also pressed Turner on market concentration; Turner said the vendor landscape has consolidated, leaving few alternatives. After discussion, Councilmember 1 moved to approve the substitute and Councilmember Bakhtiari seconded. The substitute was approved by recorded vote (7 yays, 0 nays). The substitute adds the cooperative agreement number and attaches the procurement memo and supporting documents to the file.