Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with CDW Government, LLC, utilizing the State Term Contract -- RSC024735 for the purchase of 200GB of Splunk enterprise security licenses, in the amount of $116,006.00.
The Department of Technology uses Splunk software for continuous monitoring of security events occurring on city computer systems and networks, to investigate potential cybersecurity incidents and to comply with regulatory requirements for network and computer system auditing.
Ordinance 1324-2024 authorized the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Blue Apple Technologies, LLC for the purchase of Splunk software maintenance and support services, as the lowest bidder under RFQ027063, with an initial term from July 21, 2024, to July 20, 2025, and allowed up to four one-year renewals by mutual agreement. Due to the July 2024 cybersecurity incident, DoT required and procured an additional 200 GB of licenses through CDW Government, LLC under contract PA005605. While Ordinance 1254-2025 authorized the first renewal under the original bid under PO512578 for a term beginning July 21, 2025, to July 20, 2026, it did not include the additional 200 GB.
The City previously utilized PA005605 for emergency expansion; however, this action is based on a valid quote under STS RSC024735.
The term of this contract will be for one year from the date of a confirmed purchase order by the City Auditor’s Office, at a total cost of $116,006.00.
Additionally, competitive bidding is being waived for this purchase. City agencies are required to obtain at least three actual quotes from State Term Schedules (STS). Due to reasons referenced below, the Department of Technology requests procurement via STS which requires a bid waiver.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this purchase are budgeted and available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
CDW Government, LLC
CC/Vendor #: 034427
Expiration Date: 5/22/2027
EMERGENCY
Emergency action is requested to ensure that the needed licenses are in place before the expiration of the current licenses to ensure that the Department can effectively monitor security events on city computers and networks.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with CDW Government, LLC utilizing the State Term Schedule (STS) RSC024735 for the purchase of additional Splunk enterprise security licenses; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $116,006.00 from the Department of Technology Information Services Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($116,006.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is a need for an additional 200GB of Splunk enterprise licenses, necessary for the Department of Technology’s incident mitigation; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with CDW Government, LLC, utilizing the State Term Contract - RSC024735 for the purchase of 200GB of Splunk enterprise security licenses, in the amount of $116,006.00; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 is requested to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC as the Department of Technology is procuring from an authorized State Term Schedule (STS); and
WHEREAS, the funds in the amount of $116,006.00 is available from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the daily operations of the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with CDW Government, LLC, utilizing the State Term Contract - RSC024735 for the purchase of additional Splunk enterprise security licenses for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and 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 a contract with CDW Government, LLC, utilizing the State Term Contract - RSC024735 for the purchase of Splunk enterprise security licenses in the amount of $116,006.00, for a period of one year beginning July 21, 2025, to July 20, 2026.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of up to $116,006.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized as provided on the attachment to this ordinance. (See 1519-2025EXP).
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code to enter into this contract.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 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.