DEPARTMENT: Elections
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Amended Contract With Dominion Voting Systems Inc.
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Elections Department Director to extend the contract with Dominion Voting Systems Inc. until the end of the completion of the procurement process for replacement equipment.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 15-359 (July 7, 2015), the County Board authorized the purchase of its current voting system, the Dominion Voting Systems ImageCast Evolution Precinct Ballot Counter and ImageCast Central voting system, on a five-year contract. By Resolution No. 20-353 (July 28, 2020), the contract was renewed for another five years, through July 2025.
By Resolution No. 21-468 (September 21, 2021), the County Board authorized Public Services and Revenue staff to apply for grants from the Secretary of State’s Office to improve election security and administration. By Resolution No. 22-247 (June 21, 2022), Elections staff applied for and was awarded a grant to purchase additional voting equipment through the Office of the Secretary of State’s Voting Equipment Grant Account.
By Resolution No. 23-400 (August 29, 2023), the County Board authorized a second contract amendment to align the billing, licensing, maintenance, and warranty for all equipment purchased on separate occasions into a single cycle and term that would end on November 30, 2025.
The County is beginning the process to evaluate and purchase new electronic voting equipment. This third contract amendment (Attachment: Dominion Amendment 3) seeks to extend the current contract through November 30, 2026, to allow for completion of that procurement process. The amendment includes a cost totaling $191,091.29 for the period beginning December 1, 2025, and ending November 30, 2026. This will allow for uninterrupted service while the necessary steps are taken to finalize the new agreement.
This RBA and corresponding amendment does not seek to purchase any additional voting equipment or services. This references equipment and services that have already been purchased and received.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing the Elections Department Director to amend the contract with Dominion Voting Systems Inc. to extend the current contract until the end of the completion of the procurement process.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Voting system annual licensing and maintenance costs as well as cost sharing revenues from cities and townships are included in the Elections department annual budget.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, in 2015 the County purchased the Dominion Voting Systems Inc. ImageCast Evolution and ImageCast Central ballot counting systems; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 15-359 (July 7, 2015), Dominion Voting Systems Inc. and Dakota County entered into an initial five-year contract for licensing and maintenance; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-353 (July 28, 2020), renewed that contract for another five-years; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 21-468 (September 21, 2021), the County Board authorized the Public Services and Revenue staff to apply for grants from the Secretary of State’s Office to improve election security and administration; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-247 (June 21, 2022), Elections staff applied for and was awarded a grant to purchase additional voting equipment through the Office of the Secretary of State’s Voting Equipment Grant Account; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-400 (August 29, 2023), the County Board authorized a second contract amendment to align the billing, licensing, maintenance, and warranty for all equipment purchased on separate occasions into a single cycle and term ending November 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the County is beginning the process to evaluate and purchase new electronic voting equipment; and
WHEREAS, this third contract amendment seeks to extend the current contract though completion of that procurement process at a cost of $191,091.29 for the period beginning December 1, 2025, and ending November 30, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Elections Director to execute an amendment, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form, to existing contract with Dominion Voting Systems Inc. to extend the contract from December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026, at a cost of $191,091.29.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
15-359; 7/7/15
20-353; 7/28/20
21-468; 9/21/21
22-247; 6/21/22
23-400; 8/29/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Dominion Amendment 3
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Michelle Blue
Author: Michelle Blue