Stefan T. Chatwin, City Manager

On September 3, 2019, City Council approved Resolution 2019-202 authorizing the City of Fairfield (City) to enter into a two-year Service Agreement with Gartner, Inc. for Information Technology (IT) Research and Advisory Services through April 30, 2021.  Funding was approved through April 30, 2020. City council approval is required to authorize expenditure for the second year of the contract term through April 30, 2021.

Information Technology is a complex and rapidly changing field. Staying at the forefront of technology is a challenge for all organizations. It is important for the City of Fairfield's IT Division to be aware of industry trends and forecasts to remain knowledgeable, skilled, and progressive in deploying new IT products and services that best serve the needs of the City and its citizens.

IT Directors and CIO's throughout the state of California created the California County Information Services Directors Association (CCISDA), which services public IT Divisions in all 58 California counties. CCISDA and the County of Ventura publicly bid and designed the Current Master Service Contract with Gartner, Inc., which has been effectively used by over 100 public agencies within the state to purchase access to Gartner's IT research. 

Through this service agreement, Gartner advises staff on complex technology projects with contract review and recommendations based on current and future trends. In preparation for emergent technologies, threats, and advances, the IT Division uses Gartner's research, data, and best practices to form planning processes that will best meet the needs of the City.

The service agreement provides access to Gartner's research and advisory services via the Ventura County Master Client Agreement through April 30, 2021. The IT Division requests City Council's approval for each year's funding, the first year's fees were authorized via Resolution 2019-202. The fee for the second year of the agreement, May 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021, is a not-to-exceed amount of $95,945. The costs are funded by the Information Technology General Fund (011-23-001-9008).

The City could choose not to fund the second year of the service contract with Gartner, Inc. However, the City of Fairfield's IT Division would lose access to vital support, knowledge, and expertise needed to stay current with the City's technology needs.

Ron Puccinelli, Chief Information Officer
(707) 428-7582

rpuccinelli@fairfield.ca.gov