Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted an orientation supporting an additional $25,392, taxes included, for Adlib Publishing Systems inc. The original contract was awarded directly in 2024 to the supplier staff identify as exclusive; the added spending would bring the total to $350,621.78, taxes included. City staff say the goal is to finish upgrading software used to prepare agendas and other decision documents. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The added amount is for support services under the existing contract, for April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
- The contract covers an upgrade to Adlib Transform and support for the Adlib system used with the city’s GDD application.
- The resolution authorizes the director responsible for workplace services and user support to sign documents related to the contract on the city’s behalf.
What it means for you#
- Residents: The decision does not directly change a public service or residents’ rights. City staff say the system supports preparation of agendas, minutes and decision files that are made available on the city’s website.
- City administration: The added support is intended to help complete the software upgrade. Staff say the system is used for decision-making meetings at borough, city and agglomeration levels.
Money#
The proposed additional spending is $25,392, taxes included ($23,186.28 after tax rebates).
- The total contract amount would rise from $325,229.78 to $350,621.78, taxes included.
- The added cost would be charged to the Information Technology Department’s operating budget. The required credits were included when setting general administration expenses charged to the agglomeration budget.
- The original three-year contract runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027. The materials give no estimate of the city’s staff costs.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not say how many support hours the added amount buys, or list specific deliverables.
- They do not explain how the cost was set or describe alternatives to using the current supplier.
Case for#
- City staff say the current software version is no longer supported by its supplier, and that the upgrade involves complex systems that depend on one another.
- Extra specialist support could help the city finish the upgrade and reduce the risk of disruption when preparing agendas, minutes and decision files.
Case against#
- The decision adds $25,392 to a contract already worth $325,229.78, but the materials do not specify the hours or deliverables the added amount will buy.
- The original contract was awarded directly because staff described Adlib as an exclusive supplier. The materials do not provide a competitive bid or price comparison for the added support.