Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to enter a 36-month framework agreement with Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI inc. for on-demand professional development and correction services for native and React Native mobile apps. The proposed maximum is $1,053,056.03, taxes included; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the goal is to maintain capacity for the City’s digital projects and mobile services.
- CGI would provide services when the City requests them, including for the Montréal mobile app and Espace pour la vie’s mobile app.
- The public call for tenders received two bids; CGI was the only firm to meet the selection threshold.
- The resolution requires an evaluation of CGI’s performance. Each expense would be authorized as needs arise.
What it means for you#
- Residents and app users: The agreement could support updates and fixes to City mobile apps. It does not guarantee new features or change access to City services.
- City staff: The City’s Information Technology Service would have an on-demand supplier to supplement its own capacity.
- Taxpayers: The decision does not set a new tax or fee. Spending would come from existing project or operating budgets, though some costs may be shared as agglomeration expenses.
Money#
The agreement has a maximum of $1,053,056.03, taxes included; actual spending depends on the City’s needs.
- The bid was 12.35% below the City’s latest estimate of $1,201,373.78. City staff report its hourly rates are 1.72% higher than under the 2023 agreement.
- The framework agreement itself has no budget allocation. Staff say each purchase would need its own spending authorization and purchase order, using existing budgets; the cost-sharing for agglomeration expenses would be assessed based on the project or need.
What is unclear#
- The decision materials do not state when the 36-month term would begin.
- They do not say how much of the maximum the City will actually use, or how the work will be divided among projects.
Case for#
- City staff say the current agreement ends in November 2026 and was 83% committed by July 2026. An on-demand contract could help maintain support for planned digital projects without committing the City to spend the full maximum.
- The bid was below the City’s estimate, and staff describe its price as competitive.
Case against#
- Only one bidder met the selection threshold. That limits the evidence of competition, even though CGI’s bid was below the City’s estimate.
- The maximum is substantial, while the actual workload and spending are not set in advance.