Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation seeks to authorize and direct the Director of Public Safety to renew the contract with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc. for the purpose of continuing instant computer access to the investigative database (Accurint), allowing the most efficient investigative record searches for administrative, investigative, and enforcement personnel users.
Bid Information: The Columbus Division of Police is requesting to waive competitive bidding provisions of section 329.27 of the Columbus City Codes, because surrounding law enforcement jurisdictions currently maintain Accurint database access with this established vendor and multi-jurisdictional communication utilizing this vital tool more efficiently coordinates crime solving efforts, and supports timely, positive court case outcomes. The cost prohibitive nature of moving to a new system, which would require Division-wide re-training for personnel on all shifts, makes it manifestly impractical to bid out these services.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal excluded parties listing or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved findings for recovery certified search.
Contract Compliance No: CC007871, LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc., expires 02/01/2022
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested so that the Division of Police may immediately renew said contract to continue these vital and important services without interruption. The current contract expires on 2/28/2021.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $140,855.00 from the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc. for the Division of Police. The Division of Police encumbered or spent $135,433.00 in 2020, $130,255 in 2019, and $125,216.00 in 2018 for these services.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Public Safety to renew the contract with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc.; to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $140,855.00 from the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund; and to declare an emergency . ($140,855.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Safety wishes to renew the contract for computer database access for investigative record searches with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc.; and,
WHEREAS, this database search availability is crucial to Division administrative, investigative, and enforcement personnel; and,
WHEREAS, Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions FL, Inc. is the provider of Accurint Virtual Crime Center in North America, therefore, requesting this agreement in accordance with bid waiver provisions of Chapter 329 of the City Code; and,
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $140,855.00 will be funded through the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to renew the contract with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc. for computer database access to prevent an interruption in service, thereby preserving the public peace, property, health, safety, and welfare; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety be and is hereby authorized to renew the contract with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc, for computer database access for investigative record searches for the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $140,855.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund 2219 in object class 03 Maintenance of Software per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it is in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code to enter into this contract.
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 City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
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.