Title
Customer Engagement Software Contract - EXC 23-003 - Amendment (Ordinance S-51741) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute an amendment to Contract 157137 with Zencity Technologies US, Inc. to add additional expenditures for the purchase of additional community engagement software, Blockwise, for the Police Department and Communications Office. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The additional expenditures will not exceed $848,000.
Report
Summary
Zencity provides a web-based platform to analyze data obtained from relevant sources that include topics as related to the City. It also has the capability to produce reports and surveys that will provide information on how the community views and engages with the City.
Blockwise utilizes enhanced survey technology to enable continuous data collection, cross-platform digital distribution, free-text analysis and classification and organic discourse cross-referencing. This allows Blockwise to collect important data and more accurately measure community sentiment toward public safety.
The Police Department, in partnership with the Communications Office, will use the information collected to improve trust and build relationships in the community. Staff reviewed case studies from other municipalities/law enforcement agencies who used Blockwise to take an innovative approach to increasing community trust, reallocated resources based on the data, and mitigated a crisis situation while keeping the community informed.
Contract Term
The contract term remains unchanged, ending on August 31, 2027.
Financial Impact
Upon approval of $848,000 in additional funds, the revised aggregate value of the contract will not exceed $2,634,880. Funds are available in the various departments' budgets.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council previously reviewed this request:
- Customer Engagement Software Contract, Contract 157137 (Ordinance S-48907) on August 31, 2022;
- Customer Engagement Software Contract, Contract 157137 (Ordinance S-51240) on September 18, 2024.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton, Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, the Police Department and the Communications Office.