Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into contract with Touchstone IQ LLC for software licensing, maintenance services, and technical services in the amount of $55,740.00. This contract will be for one year, beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2027.
As the Energy Benchmarking Code, Chapter 4117, has matured, so have the technical needs of the program. Initially, BZS had a contract with Touchstone IQ for the use of the tool for benchmarking data and communications. The solution is custom built for public officials and allows staff and public officials to efficiently triage incoming communications, reply to those messages, and conduct communication and data analysis. The transparency map, a component of the Energy Benchmarking Code, was a supplemental contract with Touchstone IQ that provides the public with information about the physical features and operational characteristics of each covered property.
BZS continues to work with TouchstoneIQ and Columbia Gas to allow customers online access and direct auto-upload functionality of aggregate utility natural gas consumption. Once this function becomes available, a contract modification may be submitted.
Touchstone IQ LLC is the sole proprietor and manufacturer of Touchstone IQ software products. Thus, Touchstone IQ software licenses and support can only be provided by Touchstone IQ. As such, this ordinance is submitted in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of Columbus City Codes, Chapter 329.
This ordinance also authorizes the expenditure of $55,740.00 for the above-described purpose.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the Department of Building and Zoning Services’ Development Services Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor: Touchstone IQ LLC (D365 Vendor Account # 032992)
Contract compliance number: CC-032992; Exp. 12/12/2026
State of Ohio Number 5154184
The company is not disba...
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