Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position on a proposed contract for Dataglobe Canada inc. The decision authorizes the contract award and related spending as the city’s position for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the goal is to maintain uninterrupted power systems in city buildings.
- The proposed contract covers preventive maintenance and repair work for 43 uninterrupted power supply systems in 24 city buildings, from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029.
- Dataglobe’s bid is $381,274.35, taxes included. The decision also authorizes $76,254.87, taxes included, for contingency work, bringing the total to $457,529.22.
- The contract includes two optional 12-month extensions. Their listed costs are $129,633.28 for 2029 and $132,225.94 for 2030.
What it means for you#
- City services: The systems provide stable power to computer systems. City staff say their proper operation matters to the Montréal police service and fire department.
- Taxpayers: The cost is shared: 94.84% is assigned to the agglomeration, 2.60% to the central city and 2.56% to boroughs. The contract is funded from the city’s building and property management service operating budget.
- Residents and businesses: The decision does not directly change residents’ or businesses’ rights, fees, or services.
Money#
The proposed spending is $457,529.22, taxes included, for the 35-month contract, including contingencies.
- Dataglobe’s bid is $381,274.35. The contingency budget is $76,254.87, equal to 20% of the bid.
- The city’s estimate for the same work and contingency was $432,160.02. The proposed total is $21,141, or 5.87%, higher.
- The two extension options have separate listed costs. They are options, not guaranteed extensions.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not say whether the agglomeration council approved the city’s position or whether the contract was ultimately awarded.
- The materials do not say what specific work would use the contingency budget or how often it might be used.
- The extension options’ listed costs are not included in the stated $457,529.22 total.
Case for#
- City staff say regular checks help keep important computer networks operating without power interruptions.
- The city received one compliant bid, and staff report it was 5.87% above their estimate. They did not seek a price renegotiation.
- City staff say delaying the contract could require the city to hire specialized firms for one-off services.
Case against#
- Only one company submitted a compliant bid, so the materials provide no comparison with another compliant offer.
- The proposed total is above the city’s estimate, and the contingency budget adds $76,254.87 for unforeseen work.
- The materials do not explain what would trigger use of the contingency budget or how the city would report its use.