Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted its position on contracts for Cisco network-equipment maintenance. It supports awarding Bell Canada and ITI inc. contracts for 36 months, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the maintenance is intended to support reliable municipal networks and continuity of services.
- Bell Canada would receive Lot 1, for the City’s Information Technology Service equipment: $864,754.49, taxes included.
- ITI inc. would receive Lot 2, for the Water Service equipment: $220,440.12, taxes included.
- The contracts followed a public call for tenders. Two firms submitted bids, and both were found compliant. Each firm was selected as the lowest compliant bidder for its lot.
- The resolution calls for an evaluation of Bell Canada’s performance.
What it means for you#
- Residents and municipal staff: City staff say the maintenance includes software updates, security fixes and technical support for equipment used across municipal services, including water services. The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, fees or access to services.
- City departments: The contracts would provide maintenance for the Information Technology Service’s network and the Water Service’s equipment.
- Taxpayers: The spending is assigned to the City’s existing operating budgets. City staff say the required budget credits have been considered in those budgets.
Money#
The maximum total is $1,085,194.61, taxes included, over 36 months.
- Lot 1: $864,754.49; Lot 2: $220,440.12.
- The decision summary says there is no impact on the City’s financial framework because the funds are included in the Information Technology Service and Water Service budgets.
- No direct charge to residents is set out in the decision.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give the detailed service terms, such as response times for technical support.
- They do not state any renewal options.
- The summary says Bell Canada’s performance will be evaluated, but does not describe the evaluation process or its consequences.
Case for#
- A possible argument for the contracts is that municipal networks and water-service equipment need maintenance to keep operating.
- The tender produced compliant bids for both lots, and each selected bid was below the City’s latest estimate for that lot.
- The contracts include software updates, security fixes and technical support, which city staff say can help maintain service continuity.
Case against#
- Only two firms bid, although six obtained the tender documents. Three firms sent withdrawal notices; reasons included insufficient time, concerns about liability limits, and difficulty responding after answers to technical questions.
- Limited bidding may leave the City with less competition than it sought. The materials do not explain whether changes to the tender terms could have attracted more bids.