Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007468 with Systems and Software for the hardware/software licensing, configuration and upgrades of the enQuesta CIS solution; for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $3,750,000.00 and a term of 3 years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
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Agenda of October 15, 2025
Item No. 2025-232
Contract No.: 6007468
Contractor: Systems and Software Inc., 10 E. Allen St., Winooski, VT 05404
Contract Amount: $3,750,000.00
Contract Term: 11/1/25 - 10/31/28
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed DWSD Contract No. 6007468
For the hardware/software licensing, configuration and upgrade of the enQuesta CIS solution
Systems & Software Inc.
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Marqaicha Welch, Procurement Manager, the Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department, authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007468 with Systems and Software for the hardware/software licensing, configuration and upgrades of the enQuesta CIS solution; for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $3,750,000.00 and a term of 3 years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION
Systems & Software is DWSD’s Customer Information System (CIS) solution that is a critical avenue to increase revenue, improving customer data sets and service with greater cost efficiency. This platform provides DWSD with a streamlined approach for our operations and a way to improve communications with our customers, as well as encouraging smart consumer habits. A well-designed and upgraded CIS provides seamless and intuitive experience, making it easier for customers to access relevant information, manage their accounts efficiently and interact with services effortlessly. Centralized customer data allows for more tailored interactions across all touchpoints, enabling employees to quickly access relevant information and provide personalized solutions. New reporting tools and forecasting capabilities can help businesses track performance, identify areas for improvement, and make strategic decisions. A modern CIS will provide a significant benefit by enabling us to offer superior customer service, etc.
The new O&M funded contract is for the hardware/software licensing, configuration and upgrade of enQuesta CIS solution over the contract period. Prior to this new contract request, DWSD would request amendments without changes to the deliverables from the vendor or negotiating savings for a multi-year agreement. Without this new agreement, DWSD would have spent an additional $300,000 over the next 3 years.
PROCUREMENT METHOD - SOLE SOURCE
This Proposed Contract was initiated by the DWSD Information Technology Department through requisition 539178 and approved by budget on 8/26/25. The Proposed Contract is procured as a sole source exception from competition because Systems & Software developed proprietary software and integration that provides its enQuesta CIS solution for utilities to manager DWSD’s utility billing. The ECS was signed and approved by the Director on 8/13/25.
DWSD’s Procurement Policy does not require competitive solicitation for sole source contracts. Procurement has received a sole source letter from the provider indicating they are the only authorized vendor to provide these services to DWSD.
Systems & Software Inc.’s clearances expire on 4/25/26 and a formal contract document has been sent to the vendor for review and signature.
SUMMARY
A. Contract No.: 6007468
B. Contractor: Systems & Software Inc.
C. Contract Amount: $3,750,000.00
D. Contract Term: 11/1/25 - 10/31/28
E. Anticipated FY Spend: FY 25/26: $1,150,000.00
FY 26/27: $1,300,000.00
FY 27/28: $1,300,000.00
F. Funding Source: O&M Funds
G. GL String(s):
5720-20168-483301-622301-000205-10790-0000-000000 - 38% Water
5820-20179-493301-622301-000226-15805-0000-000000 - 62% Sewer
This proposed contract was presented to the BOWC Finance Committee on October 1, 2025. Per the DWSD Procurement Policy, Mayoral Review will also be obtained.