Approve Change Authorization to Agreement for Consulting Assistance From IBM Global Services - Lucretia Clark (Information and Technology Division)

On February 3, 2004, the School Board approved a contract with IBM Global Services for Finance, Procurement, and Inventory post-implementation support of Lawson Software. Those services including assistance with 2004 fiscal year end procedures were rendered and completed with the 2004 calendar year. The execution of critical Financial, Procurement, and Inventory programs and tasks in the appropriate order, the reconciliation of these processes to ensure our financial integrity, and the opportunity for knowledge transfer from IBM functional experts to Business Division staff are critical to the staff's ability to maintain the Lawson Software system by the District in years to come. Through this service contract IBM will assist the School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC) Purchasing Department in the processing of year end close activities; assisting with crystal reports including specifications; provide analysis on the inventory system; and assist in the implementation of "smart notification." This change authorization extends the original term of the agreement through October 12, 2005, and adds an additional 520 hours of service.

Best Financial Practices

The estimated cost for one IBM consultant including expenses is $113,620.00. Funding is from the District's 5-year technology budget, project 5002.