Explanation
For the past several years, the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit has used computerized mapping systems in an effort to enhance response time to calls for service and to accurately determine location. Since the City of Columbus has grown in both size and population, the current mapping system is inadequate and outdated. The Division of Police Helicopter Unit was granted funding through Franklin County Office of Homeland Security and Justice Programs to purchase new tactical mapping systems.
The City of Columbus and Franklin County entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement, Ordinance 1917-2005 to enable this type of purchase.
Bid Information: In an effort to ensure that the very best product for the most economical price was purchased, a product search was conducted. The product search revealed only three companies, AeroComputers, Avalex and MetaMAP, carry a tactical mapping system designed specific to the needs of law enforcement mission. The research phase consisted of two parts; thirteen law enforcement agencies were contacted regarding their mapping systems and the second part was the actual performance of the three systems selected. During the search process AeroComputers, Avalex and MetaMAP have installed their most up-to-date tactical mapping systems in three Police Division helicopters and these systems were evaluated during several patrol missions. The complete results of all tests and evaluations sheets are on file and available for review. AeroComputers LE 3000 tactical mapping system was the best product tested and evaluated due to ease of use, display of street names and graphics, one touch feature, and no lag time with displaying data which is critical for rapid response time and an additional benefit is the nearest function which adds safety to the helicopter missions by telling the pilot the elevation of the three nearest obstacles. The helicopter unit evaluation team recommended AeroComputers. The total amount of the expenditure will be $100,596.00 and payment will be issued by Franklin County. 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.
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested to expedite the process of the award from Franklin County Office of Homeland Security and Justice Programs.
Contract Compliance Number: 77-0376839
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact for the General Fund Account. The Intergovernmental Agreement permits Franklin County to make the federal sub-grant expenditures.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of tactical mapping system from Aero Computers, and to waive the provisions of competitive bidding; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the police helicopter unit was awarded a grant from Franklin County Office of Homeland Security and Justice Programs; and
WHEREAS, three mapping systems specifically designed for law enforcement use were tested and evaluated by the helicopter unit on several patrol missions; and
WHEREAS, the helicopter unit evaluation team recommended AeroComputers; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive the provisions of Section 329.06 of the Columbus City Code; 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 execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of tactical mapping system from the federal sub-grant 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 Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of tactical mapping system.
Section 2. That in accordance with Section 329.27 of Columbus City Codes, this Council finds it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the provisions of Section 329.06 of the Columbus City Codes to permit the aforementioned purchase.
Section 3. 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.