Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology to renew a contract with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for the purchase of Juniper Care Services at a cost of $83,160.00.
Currently, the Department of Technology utilizes Juniper Care Services to maintain necessary service levels for our Juniper Data Center devices. This includes technical support, insights, support portal, service API, Juniper Software Support Evaluation Tool (JSSET), Support Digital Assistant, and Juniper Care Entitlements.
Ordinance 2309-2024 authorized the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for the purchase of Juniper Care Services. The contract was advertised through Vendor Services as RFQ028172, and was awarded to Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC. This original contract established and authorized contract language allowing for four (4) mutually agreed upon one (1) year renewal options with the approval of City Council.
Ordinance 2175-2025 authorized the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into the first of four renewal options with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for Juniper Care Services in the amount of $115,332.00.
This ordinance represents the second renewal option authorizing contracting with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for Juniper Care Services at a total cost of $83,160.00 for a period of twelve months, starting on December 1, 2026, and ending on November 30, 2027.
1.1 Amount of additional funds to be expended
The original contract amount: $123,472.00 (PO478767, Ord. 2309-2024)
Optional renewal #1: $115,332.00 (Ord. 2175-2025)
Optional renewal #2: $83,160.00 (This ordinance)
Contract amount including all renewals: $321,964.00
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funds for this expenditure have been identified and are available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund.
EMERGENCY
Emergency designation is requested to ensure a contract is in place prior to its expiration. Juniper Care Services provides vital technical support and network maintenance. Delaying this contract renewal would jeopardize network security and incur substantial operational and financial risks due to a loss of coverage.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Vendor Name: Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC
Vendor Acct. #: 010668 (MBE)
CC-010668; Expiration Date: 1/30/2028
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to renew a contract with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for Juniper Care Services; to authorize an expenditure from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($83,160.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology utilizes Juniper Care Services to maintain necessary service levels for our Juniper Data Center devices; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology solicited bids through RFQ028172 for the purchase of the above-described support services, and the award was made to Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC as the lowest, most responsive bidder; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into the second of four (4) contract renewal options with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for the purchase of Juniper Care Services; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $83,160.00 for the purchase of Juniper Care Services; and
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall be from December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2027. This agreement is not subject to automatic renewal. However, upon mutual agreement, to include same pricing and terms and conditions as those set forth, the services may be continued for two (2) additional one-year terms; 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 the Department of Technology to renew a contract with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for the purchase of Juniper Care Services, given a forthcoming contract termination date, ensuring uninterrupted technical support, software updates, and hardware replacement essential to daily operations, all for the immediate preservation of 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 is authorized to exercise the option to renew an existing contract with Brown Enterprise Solutions, LLC for Juniper Care Services for a one (1) year term, starting on December 1, 2026, and ending on November 30, 2027.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $83,160.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (Please see 3032-2026EXP)
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts 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 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.