Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
FORMAL TITLE:
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Five-year contract with Granicus for the redesign, implementation, and hosting of city websites with an estimated total cost of $549,040
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On May 5, 2015, City Council approved the utilization of the Federal General Services Administration Contract No. GS-07F-0509W for the City’s Website Redesign Project with Vision Internet Providers (now owned by Granicus). In addition to website redesign and hosting, the original contract included a subsite for Ocala Police Department, the option for website redesign after four years, and VisionLive maintenance plan.
On September 17, 2019, to maintain consistency of use, City Council approved a five-year renewal of the VisionLive maintenance plan with Granicus.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The City has recognized the need to modernize its online presence. The City’s existing websites currently face several limitations that restrict the ability of staff to easily make necessary modifications. The current website’s outdated design and functionality hinder usability and reduce user engagement. By implementing a modern and user-friendly platform, we aim to increase customer engagement and satisfaction.
Redesign will address limitations of the current City site and OPD subsite. The update will enhance visual appeal and functionality, add customizable subsites for the Fire and Fiber Network departments, and ensure a modern, user-friendly platform that improves customer engagement and satisfaction. Redesign will align with the organizational goal of improving public service delivery by creating a more accessible and engaging online presence. Additionally, the customizable subsites for the Fire and Fiber Network departments will address the specific needs of these departments, further enhancing the overall functionality and user experience of the City website.
The redesign will also include the new Government Experience Agent (GXA). This is an AI-powered tool specifically designed to transform how the City interacts with website visitors. It provides always-on, precise, and contextually relevant responses to resident questions in clear, easy-to-understand language. Unlike commercial AI solutions, GXA is carefully tuned to understand government interactions and only accesses approved City data. The result is an improved experience for residents and a reduced workload for City staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
• Year 1 total: $203,141.00
o $80,271.00 (subscription)
o $122,870.00 (re-design and implementation costs)
• Year 2: $82,679.13 (subscription)
• Year 3: $85,159.52 (subscription)
• Year 4: $87,714.30 (subscription)
• Year 5: $90,345.73 (subscription)
Grand Total: $549,039.68
Funds for the Year One redesign, implementation, and subsequent subscription fees will be budgeted/encumbered in account #001-035-603-516-51-52045 and will be paid under Munis Contract No. 250947.
Staff recommends approval.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny