16.c.
Commissioners Court Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/12/2026
- Title:
- Reject Proposals for RFP 2026-002 Inmate Phone Services
- Submitted for:
- Joe Lopez
- Submitted By:
- Joe Lopez
- Department:
- Purchasing
Subject:
Discussion and possible action to reject all proposals submitted for Request for Proposal (RFP) 2026-002 “Webb County Inmate Phone Services” and any other matters incident thereto. [Revenue Account #1001-4070-357140 (Telephone Commission)]
Issue: Due to a recent ruling from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) enforcement of new rate caps for calls and video for inmate phone services have been postponed until April 2027.
Solution: Consideration of approving the rejection of all proposals and continue with current services provided by exercising the options to extend currently permitted by the service contract between Smart Communications Holding and Webb County.
Result: If approved, the current revenue collected will continue at the permitted rates for calls and video plus commission rates. During FYE 2027, a request will be submitted to Commissioners Court for their consideration to advertise a new RFP under the mandatory rate caps that will be enforceable effective April 1, 2027.
Issue: Due to a recent ruling from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) enforcement of new rate caps for calls and video for inmate phone services have been postponed until April 2027.
Solution: Consideration of approving the rejection of all proposals and continue with current services provided by exercising the options to extend currently permitted by the service contract between Smart Communications Holding and Webb County.
Result: If approved, the current revenue collected will continue at the permitted rates for calls and video plus commission rates. During FYE 2027, a request will be submitted to Commissioners Court for their consideration to advertise a new RFP under the mandatory rate caps that will be enforceable effective April 1, 2027.
Background:
N/A
Previous Court Action:
On September 22, 2025, Commissioners Court authorized the Purchasing Agent to advertise an RFP for the requested services.
Fiscal Impact
- Budget Account Number:
- 1001-4070-357140
- Funding Source:
- Telephone Commission
- Balance:
- $96,383.63
Financial Impact:
1001-4070-357140 (Telephone Commission)
$96,383.63
$96,383.63