DEPARTMENT: Attorney
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Agreement With West Publishing Corporation For Westlaw Legal Research Subscription
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the County Attorney to execute a purchase order agreement with West Publishing Corporation for a three-year subscription to Westlaw electronic legal research tools.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office (CAO) has used Westlaw PROFLEX electronic legal research solutions on a subscription basis since 2017 to access caselaw, statutes, federal code, jury instructions, secondary sources and other resources and tools to perform the duties of the CAO. The CAO renewed the subscription in 2019. The CAO desires to renew the subscription for another three-year period at the rate of $5,370.89 for the first year and 1 percent annual increases thereafter. The proposed rate represents a 1 percent increase from the current monthly charge and an increase in the number of licenses for attorneys to access the system since the last renewal from 40 to 43. The CAO also has nine law clerks who utilize the subscription at no cost.
The three-year total cost of the subscription is $195,292.08.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The CAO recommends authorizing the County Attorney to execute a purchase order agreement with West Publishing Corporation for a three-year subscription to Westlaw electronic legal research tools for a total amount not to exceed $195,292.08.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The CAO has sufficient budget for the proposed increased monthly rate for the remainder of 2022 and is accounted for in the proposed County Manager recommended budget for 2023.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office (CAO) has used Westlaw PROFLEX electronic legal research solutions on a subscription basis since 2017 to access caselaw, statutes, federal code, jury instructions, secondary sources and other resources and tools to perform the duties of the CAO; and
WHEREAS, the CAO renewed the subscription in 2019; and
WHEREAS, the CAO desires to renew the subscription for another three-year period at the rate of $5,370.89 for the first year and 1 percent annual increases thereafter; and
WHEREAS, the proposed rate represents a 1 percent increase from the current monthly charge and an increase in the number of licenses for attorneys to access the system since the last renewal from 40 to 43; and
WHEREAS, the CAO also have nine law clerks who utilize the subscription at no cost; and
WHEREAS, the three-year total cost of the subscription is $195,292.08.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Attorney to execute a purchase order agreement with West Publishing Corporation for a three-year subscription to Westlaw electronic legal research tools for a total amount not to exceed $195,292.08, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Order Form
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☐ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Tom Donely
Author: Tom Donely