Exhibit 1 - Agenda Information SheetCity of Denton
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AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: Procurement & Compliance
ACM: David Gaines
DATE: November 9, 2021
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal corporation,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with N. Harris Computer Corporation, for the purchase
of SilverBlaze, utility billing software to be used by the Customer Service Department, which is the sole
provider of this software, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 252.022, which provides that
procurement of commodities and services that are available from one source are exempt from competitive
bidding, and if over $50,000 shall be awarded by the governing body; providing for the expenditure of
funds therefor; and providing an effective date (File 7621 – awarded to N. Harris Computer Corporation,
for one (1) year, with the option for four (4) additional one (1) year extensions, in the total five (5) year not-
to-exceed amount of $761,008.78). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (7-0).
INFORMATION/BACKGROUND
The purpose of this agenda item is to request Council’s approval to replace the current Paymentus Customer
Portal with the SilverBlaze Customer Portal solution.
The SilverBlaze Customer Portal solution offers real-time integration with the NorthStar CIS. Self-service
automation offers unique features that have the potential to reach a broader customer base with its multi-
language abilities. The single-source portal for account information allows customers to view usage and
bills, make payments, modify accounts and user profiles, manage multiple accounts, receive offers, alerts,
and reminders. The solution provides 15-minute interval data and displays for DME’s AMI meters to
residential and commercial customers.
The Smart Forms component of the solution provides customers the ability to request new customer turn
on, turn off and transfer of utility service, update mailing address, and add additional self-service forms that
meet the City’s future needs. The data analytics and notifications encourage energy conservation. The
SilverBlaze solution self-service tools will reduce call volumes and lobby traffic freeing staff to assist in
other areas of the business. It also provides a platform to communicate important information such as rate
changes, outages, and new programs to improve the delivery of service.
SilverBlaze + 5 Forms
Total One Time $241,502.00
Annual Support & Maintenance $297,522.09
City Hall
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas
www.cityofdenton.com
Outage Management Integration
Total One Time $34,490.00
Annual Support & Maintenance $15,085.44
Additional Smart Forms
Smart Forms $90,000.00
Annual Support $82,409.25
Total $761,008.78
Section 252.022 of the Local Government Code provides that procurement of sole source commodities and
services are exempt from competitive bidding, if over $50,000, shall be awarded by the governing body.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On October 25, 2021, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) recommended this item to the City Council for
consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Award with a contract to N. Harris Computer Corporation, as a sole source supplier, for the purchase of
SilverBlaze, utility billing software to be used by the Customer Service Department, in a one (1) year, with
the option for four (4) additional one (1) year extensions, in the total five (5) year not-to-exceed amount of
$761,008.78.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
N. Harris Computer Corporation
Ottawa, ON
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
This is an initial one (1) year contract with options to extend the contract for four (4) additional one (1) year
periods, with all terms and conditions remaining the same.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This service will be funded from Customer Services Operating Funds.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Agenda Information Sheet
Exhibit 2: Ordinance and Contract
Respectfully submitted:
Lori Hewell, 940-349-7100
Purchasing Manager
For information concerning this acquisition, contact: Christa Foster, 940-349-7412.
Legal point of contact: Marcella Lunn at 940-349-8333.