Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on approving contract with Bonfire for Third-Party Electronic Bidding and Contract Management System in the amount of $4,500 for the remainder of the Fiscal Year and for an annual total of $37,500 thereafter, as per DIR contract #DIR-TSO-4363, and authorizing the execution of the agreement and quote.

This is the follow-up item to the Mercell (formerly Negometrix) termination. This request is for the approval of the new electronic bidding platform and contract management system. After researching several solutions offered through various purchasing cooperatives, four (4) vendors were invited for demos of which two (2) vendors were shortlisted and invited for a second presentation. After extensive evaluation of criteria such as but not limited to ease of use of system, size of vendor database, vendor outreach, integration between bidding and contract management systems etc. as well as conversations with various other public agencies in the State of Texas who highly recommended this platform, it is the recommendation to select Bonfire Interactive, LTD as the new electronic bidding and contract management platform. Funding source: 503-3011 $1,500; 503-4100 $3,000 (this is pro-rated for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2021). Beginning October 2021: 01.0100.0503.004505.