Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the purchase of library print materials through September 30, 2026 from Brodart Co., under Texas Smart Buy 715-M2, in an amount not to exceed $73,250 (Director of Parks & Cultural Services)
Background:
Approval of this item will authorize the Helen Hall Library purchase of print materials. The State of Texas developed an RFP solicitation for all public libraries that allows those libraries to purchase the aforementioned without the library having to solicit individually. This affords the library the ease of ordering through national distributors and the benefit of terms and discounts offered throughout Texas.
Information is attached detailing Texas Smart Buy 715-M2, as well as the current Terms and Discounts for Public Libraries, which offers details as to the discounts received with purchases in certain categories. The current contract expires October 31, 2025, and it is anticipated to be renewed through October 2026.
The FY2026 budget includes $198,300 for new materials of all types. A memorandum detailing all library materials vendors selected for the fiscal year is attached. Although only two vendors have been selected with which to allocate expenditures above $50,000, library administration wishes to provide the entire list of selected library materials vendors and the allocated expenditures.
For price comparisons, staff extrapolated a sample set of ten (10) books and compared prices with a vendor outside of the state contract. Results of up to 27% savings can be found compared to Amazon’s suggested retail price. A breakdown and explanation of costs are included in the Materials FY26 Comparisons Memorandum.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Texas Smart Buy 715-M2 contract details
3. Materials FY26 Comparisons Memorandum
4. Vendor report card
FUNDING
{ X } Funds are available in the FY2026 budget in the following accounts
Library Children's Materials Account #4800000-51502
Library Adult Materials Account #4800000-51504
Library Teen Print Materials Account #4800000-51504
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{ X } NOT APPLICABLE