Title
Approve and Authorize the Monterey County Library Director to enter into an Agreement with Columbia Telecommunications Corporation d/b/a CTC Technology and Energy, hereinafter referred to as “CTC”; on behalf of the County of Monterey to continue to connect Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) to the California State Library’s broadband membership connection to the CENIC (Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California) CalREN network at no cost and allow the Library Director the future option of allowing CTC to apply for federal eRate discounts on branch library data circuits through CENIC on behalf of MCFL.
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve and Authorize the Monterey County Library Director to enter into an Agreement with Columbia Telecommunications Corporation d/b/a CTC Technology and Energy, hereinafter referred to as “CTC”; on behalf of the County of Monterey to continue to connect Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) to the California State Library’s broadband membership connection to the CENIC (Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California) CalREN network at no cost and allow the Library Director the future option of allowing CTC to apply for federal eRate discounts on branch library data circuits through CENIC on behalf of MCFL.
SUMMARY:
On July 1, 2020, the County Board of Supervisors approved and authorized the Monterey County Library Director to enter into an Agreement with the Califa group to connect Monterey County Free Libraries to CENIC’s high speed CALREN network at no cost. The CENIC membership service is free to California Public Libraries through the California State Library’s CENIC membership. This new Agreement is now managed by the Columbia Telecommunications Corporation d/b/a CTC Technology and Energy, who is now California State Library’s fiscal agent for the CENIC Broadband program. MCFL’s new Agreement with the CTC, allows MCFL to continue to connect all library branches and MCFL staff to the internet through CENIC/CALREN at no cost to the County of Monterey.
The CENIC Broadband program also allows public libraries the option of having the CTC through CENIC go out to bid and apply for federal e-Rate discounts on individual branch library data circuits that connect individual branches back to CENIC. Historically, many California public libraries did not apply for federal eRate discounts due to the complex application process. Having CTC manage this process through CENIC helped public libraries procure eRate discounted services and save money. MCFL, however, has been successfully applying for federal eRate discounts on all eligible services for more than 25 years and at this time chooses to continue to apply independently.
The Agreement shall be in effect until the termination of all circuits ordered under the Agreement, or unless otherwise terminated by a Party pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Termination prior to the end date of any given circuit shall result in Library having to pay any circuit telecommunications carrier termination charges resulting from early termination of the Service.
MCFL’s CENIC connection and MCFL’s computer network are co-located at the County of Monterey Information Technology Department at 1500 Moffett Street, Salinas CA. Through this Agreement, the County Information Technology Department provides back up to MCFL’s CENIC/CalREN connection to the internet and CENIC serves as a backup to the County’s internet connection should it fail. MCFL has consulted with Monterey County ITD and both parties agree that this agreement benefits MCFL and the County of Monterey.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The proposed Agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form and legality, by the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to fiscal terms, by Risk Management regarding insurance and indemnification provisions and by the Information Technology Department regarding nonstandard computer/technology projects.
FINANCING:
There is no cost associated with this Agreement. It is determined that there are no additional expenses
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Jacqueline C. Bleisch, Administrative Services Officer, (831)883-7576
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831)883-7567
Attachments:
MCFL CTC CENIC - County Standard Agreement
CENIC CTC Agreement with MCFL