When it comes to keeping members connected, Sourcewell has it covered. And in an anticipatory move, services offered through a newly created category will undoubtedly become necessary to stay in front of future technology requirements.
Sourcewell recently added a Wireless Technology Infrastructure Consultative Services category to its diverse line of contracts. Sourcewell Contract Administration Supervisor Dave Duhn describes the category and its solutions as incredibly complex. Cities, counties, and states will use the awarded contracts when preparing to build out infrastructure for the coming of 5G and other technological advances.
“Through this category and these contracts, Sourcewell is truly leading the way for the future as technology drastically changes,” Duhn explains. “It’s like talking about a problem that’s not even on most people’s radar yet. We’re ahead of this and we’re providing members the opportunity to get the expertise and help they need. It’s going to be a big deal everywhere.”
Sourcewell (formerly NJPA), a cooperative purchasing organization, awarded these contracts following a competitive solicitation process:
Ernst & Young Advisors will provide members a variety of wireless technology infrastructure services, including advice on negotiation with telecom providers seeking access, lease agreements for telecom, and revenue sharing with telecom operators; as well as arranging public and private partnerships, commercial valuation of right-of-way owned; and fair market value of right-of-way for telecom use.
SmartWorks Partners, also named a vendor in this category, will provide members wireless and telecommunications consulting, asset leasing and management, city asset and program management, broadband master planning, cost-benefit and feasibility analysis, and smart-city initiatives and solutions; as well as products including LED streetlight retrofit, fiber, and telecommunications.
Duhn says the vast menu of services provided by each vendor is offered a’ la carte.
“When you’re talking about the city of tomorrow or a connected workplace, it all requires infrastructure. We’re here to provide resources for our members to get that expertise when looking to the future.”
Effective October 17, 2018, these contracts are available to all Sourcewell members throughout the United States and Canada. Purchasers from public entities save time and money by streamlining the procurement process with cooperative purchasing.
About Sourcewell
Sourcewell (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance) is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success. Created in 1978 as one of Minnesota’s nine service cooperatives, we offer training and shared services to our central-Minnesota members. Throughout North America, we offer a cooperative purchasing program with more than 325 awarded vendors on contract. Sourcewell is driven by service and the ability to strategically reinvest in member communities.
