Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Director of Purchasing to negotiate and execute contract documents, including amendments, to the agreement with West Publishing Corporation d/b/a Thomson Reuters for legal research and related online research for the County Attorney’s Office and other agencies, including the County Auditor’s Office, for up to five additional years, not to exceed $250,000 annually, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office.
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Why Action is Necessary
Per Section 21.47(a) of the Broward County Procurement Code, the Board must approve contracts with a value of more than $500,000, inclusive of renewals or extensions.
What Action Accomplishes
Authorizes the Director of Purchasing to negotiate and execute contract documents, including amendments, for up to an additional five years, not to exceed $250,000 annually.
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
The current contract with West Publishing Corporation d/b/a Thomson Reuters provides online research services (e.g., Westlaw), including generative artificial intelligence capabilities specific to legal research, for the County Attorney’s Office and other agencies.
The current annual charge for all subscribed services, including Westlaw Precision (the legal artificial intelligence module), for all users is $198,838.80. The current County contract incorporates the favorable terms of the State of Florida alternate contract source, including the ability to terminate for convenience at any time. The County Attorney’s Office and Purchasing Division staff will continue to periodically evaluate the value of renewing the current services as new products and competitors emerge that may offer better value.
The current term of the County’s agreement expires on June 23, 2026, and renewal for the next annual term would exceed the Purchasing Director’s authority without this requested authorization from the Board. This item, if approved, will authorize the Director of Purchasing to execute contract documents, including amendments, to provide ongoing legal research services for up to an additional five years, not to exceed $250,000 annually.
Source of Additional Information
Danielle W. French, Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Not to exceed $250,000 annually for up to five years.