Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into a contract with vCloud Tech, Inc. for the subscription of Redsky MyE911 and E911 Anywhere services for the Columbus City Schools (CCS) for the amount of $106,360.00.
Since 2017, the City of Columbus Technology Department has worked with Columbus City Schools (CCS) to install and maintain their VOIP (voice-over-internet-protocol) phone system. Federal mandates under the Ray Baum Act and Keri's Law require that schools have an updated E911 system in place within their VOIP infrastructure to ensure that 911 call takers can identify the “soft-phone” locations of callers. Authorization of this contract will ensure that CCS will remain federally compliant with these mandates.
This ordinance also requests approval to continue the above-described services via a waiver of relevant sections of Section 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to competitive bidding. A bid waiver is needed as there is not sufficient time to obtain and award bids before the current contract expires.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds in the amount of $106,360.00 are available in the Department of Technology Information Services Operating Fund, Fund 4702, Columbus City Schools Telephone Services Subfund.
EMERGENCY
Emergency designation is being requested for these services that are necessary to support daily operation activities, to ensure no service interruption, and to establish a purchase order at the earliest possible date.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor #: 012179
CC/FID #: 46-3104792
Expires 4/19/2026
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into contract with vCloud Tech, Inc. for the subscription of Redsky MyE911 and E911 Anywhere services; to authorize the waiver of relevant sections of Section 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to competitive bidding; and to authorize the expenditure of $106,360.00 from the Department of Technology Information Services Operating Fund and to declare an emergency. ($106,360.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology has assisted Columbus City Schools with installation and maintenance of their VOIP telephone system since 2017; and
WHEREAS, federal mandates under the Ray Baum Act and Keri's Law require that the above-mentioned VOIP system have an updated E911 system in place; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of Technology to enter into a contract with vCloud Tech, Inc. for the above-described purpose for a term of one-year, starting on August 20, 2024 and ending on August 19, 2025 and the expenditure of $106,360.00; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance also requests the waiver of relevant sections of Section 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to competitive bidding; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Technology to enter into contract with VCloud in order to provide funding for the subscription of Redsky MyE911 and E911 Anywhere services on behalf of Columbus Public Schools, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Technology be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract, with VCloud Tech, Inc. for the subscription of Redsky MyE911 and E911 Anywhere services on behalf of Columbus Public Schools and authorizes expenditures for a period of one year, beginning on August 20, 2024 and ending on August 19, 2025, at a cost of $106,360.00.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $106,360.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (See attachment 1323-2024EXP)
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any changes to revise the funding source for any contract or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the relevant sections of Section 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to competitive bidding are hereby waived.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.
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