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Westminster council awards $192,467 Microsoft licensing contract to SHI
Summary
The Westminster Mayor and Common Council approved a multiyear Microsoft enterprise licensing agreement with SHI Government Solutions for $192,467.37, using an existing state contract and waiving local competitive bidding. Councilors noted the purchase is multiyear and will require future budget planning.
The Westminster Mayor and Common Council voted to award a multiyear Microsoft enterprise licensing contract to SHI Government Solutions for $192,467.37, approving a waiver of local competitive bidding and authorizing the purchase under a state contract.
City staff told the council the city previously adopted three-year Microsoft enterprise agreements in May 2019 and May 2022; the most recent agreement expired May 31, 2025. Staff said maintaining the enterprise agreement is critical for continued operation of westminstermd.gov email, Office 365 services and related server licensing and that, after reviewing alternatives, staying on the current Microsoft enterprise platform is the most cost-effective option for the city’s existing infrastructure.
The FY 2026 operating budget allocated $75,000 for this project, staff said, but the recommended purchase through SHI totals $192,467.37. Staff recommended waiving the city’s competitive procurement process under the city procurement code to “piggyback” off a competitively awarded state contract (state contract number read in the meeting). The council approved the award by voice vote after brief discussion noting the purchase is a multiyear contract and that future years will need to be budgeted.
Mister Moore, a city staff member who presented the item, said the licensing is “critical for the continued functionality” of the city’s email and Office applications. Council member Dayhoff moved the contract award and council member Goodabler seconded the motion. No roll-call tally was recorded in the public discussion; the clerk announced a voice vote and the ayes carried the motion.
Council debate focused on two points: that the purchase uses an existing competitively bid state contract rather than a new direct solicitation, and that because it is multiyear the city will need to account for the later-year costs in future budgets. One councilor noted that the FY26 line item covered only part of the total cost and that the remainder will be handled through annual budgeting.
The contract award takes effect immediately as approved; the council did not identify a specific start or end date beyond noting the agreement is multiyear and consistent with the city’s prior three-year agreements.
Votes at a glance: Award contract to SHI Government Solutions for Microsoft enterprise licensing, $192,467.37 — Approved (voice vote).
