Legislative Coordinating Council approves five-year $430,320 support contract for virtual statehouse system

The Legislative Coordinating Council voted to renew a five-year subscription and maintenance agreement for the state’s virtual statehouse system, approving total payments of $430,320 over five years and authorizing the chair to sign the contract.

The contract with Worldwide Technology covers software support and maintenance for streaming and virtual meeting capability across committee rooms and chambers; staff said annual payments of $86,064 are an option under the agreement. "The recommendation my recommendation IT department's recommendation is that we, that the LCC authorize and approve a new 5 year subscription, agreement with Worldwide Technology to continue the virtual state house project," Staff member Tom said during the meeting.

The decision keeps the platform used to stream and host hybrid committee meetings in all 13 committee rooms, both chambers and several conference rooms. Tom told the council the vendor and Cisco indicated most current hardware should remain serviceable through February 2030, though some monitors may need replacement in the coming years. He said the five-year price represents a reduction from what the legislature paid in 2020 for support and maintenance.

Council members asked whether the subscription locks the legislature into hardware or camera upgrades. Tom said the senate chamber camera is managed outside this vendor arrangement and could be upgraded separately; the audio system would require further review. Members also asked whether the council should wait for an incoming chief technology officer; Tom said the five-year contract offers a significant price break but that the length of the agreement is a policy decision for the council. A question about penalties to end the subscription early was raised; Tom said he would have to check the subscription agreement for termination terms.

The council approved the motion to renew the subscription. Speaker Hawkins moved the renewal; Vice President Schallenberger seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The chair was authorized to sign the agreement and staff said they will continue to evaluate hardware needs and potential future upgrades during the contract period.

Less critical details: the vendor offered a one-month extension on prior pricing to allow the council to act at this meeting. The contract amount reported by staff does not include any additional hardware purchases or software not covered by the maintenance agreement.