Tacoma Public Utilities

Challenge
The City wanted to replace its legacy billing system and consolidate all city billing into a single bill.

Solution
In the more than 20 years TMG has been working in this field, the company has never had a failed project – except for Tacoma. This profile is provided to describe a worst-case scenario. TMG initiated a Product Evaluation and Selection effort in 1997. The process resulted in the selection of H.T.E. as the vendor finalist. TMG facilitated due diligence and product confirmation activities and provided Quality Management Services during the installation effort. The project was terminated six months after it was initiated as H.T.E. defaulted on the contract. TMG assisted TPU and their legal counsel in binding arbitration proceedings by serving as an expert witness. The arbitration hearings were conducted in November 1999 and a final judgment rendered in December 1999.

Result
As indicated by TPU and their legal counsel the TMG statement of work, quality assurance reports, and knowledge of the CIS industry and CIS projects were key in supporting TPU’s claims and position. Although TPU had only expended $950,000, the arbitration panel awarded TPU over $5 million dollars. This was a tremendous victory for TPU and TMG . TMG s CIS project deliverables have been proven in arbitration proceedings to protect and promote the best interest of its customers. TPU continues to stand by TMG, its processes and experience.