Title
Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Non-standard Agreement with Meltwater, for media monitoring software subscription services, extending the term of the agreement through November 2027, and increasing the contract amount by $19,000 for a revised not-to-exceed amount of $130,500.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Non-standard Agreement with Meltwater, for media monitoring software subscription services, extending the term of the agreement through November 2027, and increasing the contract amount by $19,000 for a revised not-to-exceed amount of $130,500.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey (County) entered into an Agreement with Meltwater for media monitoring software subscription services for the period December 1, 2023, through November 30, 2025, with a contract amount of $60,000. The Agreement was subsequently amended to expand services to support the County’s Laguna Seca Recreational Area, including WeatherTech® Raceway, increasing the contract amount by $32,500 for a revised total of $92,500. An additional amendment executed in October 2025 extended the term through November 30, 2026, and increased the contract amount by $19,000, resulting in a revised not-to-exceed amount of $111,500.
Approval of Amendment No. 3 will extend the Agreement for one additional year, through November 30, 2027, and increase the contract amount by $19,000, for a new total not-to-exceed amount of $130,500. The amendment will ensure the County’s continued access to media monitoring, analytics, social media management, and communications support services.
DISCUSSION:
Meltwater is a leading media intelligence and monitoring platform that provides governments and organizations with a comprehensive suite of tools for media monitoring, journalist outreach, social media management, and communications analytics.
The platform enables County departments to monitor media coverage in real time, track public sentiment, measure communications effectiveness, and inform strategic messaging decisions. Services available under the Agreement include keyword monitoring, custom alerts, media analytics dashboards, newsletter distribution tools, newsroom website integration, media relations management, social media engagement tracking, mobile analytics, sentiment analysis, and consulting support.
Continued use of Meltwater supports the County’s communications and public information efforts by providing timely insights into public discourse and media coverage on issues affecting County operations and services. Approval of the recommended action will ensure uninterrupted access to these services through November 30, 2027.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed the agreement as to form. The Auditor-Controller’s Office reviewed the agreement but does not agree to the non-standard payment provisions.
FINANCING:
The contract amount will be funded through the FY 2026-27 approved budget for the County Administrative Office: General Fund - Communications - Services and Supplies (1001-105006-61000).
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action aligns with the Board’s Administrative Initiative to promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
X Administrative
Prepared by: Karina Bokanovich, Management Analyst III
Reviewed by: Nicholas Pasculli, County Communications Director
Approved by: Debbie Paolinelli, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Proposed Amendment No. 3
Order Confirmation
Amendments No. 2 and No. 1, Executed Non-Standard Agreement