City backs extra software maintenance funding

Summary#

Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position supporting an additional $34,214.25, taxes included, for the City’s contract with Supergravity inc. for the SUPERText software maintenance. The position is for a decision by the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the software supports the SPVM’s handling and disclosure of evidence.

  • The additional spending would raise the contract total from $360,150 to $394,364.25, taxes included.
  • The contract covers maintenance from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, including technical support and software updates and security fixes.
  • Supergravity received the contract directly because, according to city staff, it holds the exclusive rights and is the only provider of SUPERText maintenance and support.
  • The resolution also authorizes the director of the Direction sécurité publique et justice, within the Service des technologies de l’information, to sign documents related to the contract on the City’s behalf.

What it means for you#

  • SPVM: City staff say maintaining SUPERText is important to processing criminal cases, protecting evidence, and meeting court disclosure obligations.
  • Taxpayers: The additional expense would be paid by the agglomeration and charged to the Service des technologies de l’information’s operating budget.
  • General public: This decision does not create a new police or evidence service. It concerns the cost and maintenance of software already used by the SPVM.

Money#

The decision supports an additional expense of $34,214.25, taxes included ($31,242.17 net of tax rebates).

  • The contract total would rise to $394,364.25, taxes included.
  • The additional expense would be fully paid by the agglomeration.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not explain why the amount for applicable taxes was not included in the original contract total.
  • The materials do not give a separate breakdown of the contract’s total cost by year.

Case for#

  • City staff say SUPERText supports evidence handling and disclosure in SPVM criminal cases.
  • Supergravity is identified as the sole rights-holder and provider, so the materials give a reason the City did not seek competing bids.

Case against#

  • The contract was awarded directly, without a competitive call for tenders, because of Supergravity’s exclusive rights.
  • The decision adds $34,214.25 to the contract. The materials do not explain why this tax amount was not included earlier.