I think you're wrong, and I don't think you can deliver on that promise. I had the opportunity to speak with someone in a similar sort of project in Canada who told me that one of the biggest costs involved in these sorts of projects are the legal expenses. Often times you have to clear all sorts of red tape that needs to be torn down. Lawyers aren't cheap, and laws will slow you down.
Another point to consider is that you're going to be building something that needs to last for many-many years and can take on new interfaces over the coming years (e.g. iPhones, web, portable devices, etc). You need to build something that is going to be durable, grow, and be maintainable for years to come. Along this point, you'll need to import, manage, and parse old data.
Did you forget the training costs for city employees and the programmers that will maintain these systems? How about documentation?
I know you're being flip and trying to make a point that the city is being milked (and they are), but there's a reason for this. These contractors are doing a difficult, high stress job with lots of visibility. Their compensation, though high, is understandable -- as are their delays.
Another point to consider is that you're going to be building something that needs to last for many-many years and can take on new interfaces over the coming years (e.g. iPhones, web, portable devices, etc). You need to build something that is going to be durable, grow, and be maintainable for years to come. Along this point, you'll need to import, manage, and parse old data.
Did you forget the training costs for city employees and the programmers that will maintain these systems? How about documentation?
I know you're being flip and trying to make a point that the city is being milked (and they are), but there's a reason for this. These contractors are doing a difficult, high stress job with lots of visibility. Their compensation, though high, is understandable -- as are their delays.