Notice of Intent to Designate Sole Brand: Zoom for Government FedRAMP Certified

Project Description: Notice of Intent to Designate Sole Brand:
This Request for Information (RFI) Notice of Intent to Designate Sole Brand is to determine if the specified commodity or service is available from multiple providers, or if an alternate commodity or service is available that would meet the County’s needs. This is not a request for pricing or a purchase commitment.
The following commodity or service is thought to be available from only a sole brand and is the only commodity/services that meets the County’s needs:
Zoom for Government provides teleconferencing capabilities offered in a Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription model. This solicitation provides Agencies the ability to procure Zoom for Government under a single portal customized for Broward County. Zoom for Government is a FEDRAMP certified program and differentiates from the commercial versions available. As a leader in the Gartner Group Magic quadrant, Zoom compliments the other technologies for teleconferencing. This product is readily available in various forms including free versions. This brand is ideal for meetings with the public where remote distancing is a requirement and enhancement to public services. As a secure means to communicate, Zoom Video Communications holds 18 security certifications for use worldwide.
Zoom for Government is FEDRAMP certified, provides end-to-end encryption and security enhancements ideal for Agency use. The Sole Brand product remains a proven leader in the government space servicing teleconference needs. The product remains comparatively equal to other products serving the same purpose however, Zoom stands out with ease of use. With little or no training the public can start, join or interact within a Zoom session. The familiarity and ease serves in the best interest of the County for public interaction via remote technologies. Zoom remains widely used for Human Services Telehealth appointments where HIPAA regulations require the utmost security of the call. County Commissioners rely on Zoom for many public Town Hall meetings and discussions and used for the County Commission meetings in general.
This RFI will remain posted until closing date and time.
Prospective Vendors are requested to provide information regarding their ability to provide the commodity or service described or written explanation or other documentation contesting the proposed RFI designation.
If you are capable of meeting or exceeding the County’s requirements for the specified commodity or service, respond to this RFI through the electronic bidding system. Vendor should upload any supporting information in the electronic bidding system as part of its response to assist the County in determining if commodity or service is comparable, is available from multiple suppliers, and meets the County’s needs. The Director of Purchasing shall have sole authority in deciding what is comparable.
The Director of Purchasing shall consider such submittals and notify all submitting vendors (thru the electronic bidding system) of the decision whether to designate as a Sole Brand, which decision shall not be subject to objection, protest, or appeal.