Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Department of Public Safety, Division of Police Crime Lab was approved by the National Institute of Justice to purchase new DNA equipment under the FY22 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program. (CEBR) The Division of Police Crime Lab, is requesting the purchase of two Crime-lite AUTO all-in one forensic imaging systems, with associated shipping and on-site training. This equipment will be validated and used to increase the efficiency of the DNA screening process and allow for more scientists to screen evidence simultaneously by increasing the number of screening options.
Bid Information: Foster & Freeman are the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Crime-lite AUTO technology products in this territory.
Contract Compliance: CC-041869, Compliance expires 4/19/2026.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal Excluded Parties List System 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 this purchase order due to significant lead times of 6-8 weeks from the United Kingdom and to be received, fully invoiced, and paid before the grant end date of 12/31/24.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $71,954.90 by Foster & Freeman for the purchase of new DNA screening equipment using grant funds from the FY22 DNA CEBR program grant.
Title
To authorize the Department of Finance and Management, to enter into contract with Foster & Freeman USA, Inc. for the purchase of Crime-lite AUTO technology equipment which includes the validation, training, and freight for the Division of Police Crime Lab; to enter in said agreement in accordance with the terms of sole source provisions of Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $71,954.90 from the FY22 DNA CEBR program grant; and to declare an emergency. ($71,954.90)
Body
WHEREAS, The Division of Police Crime Lab was awarded the FY22 DNA CEBR program grant from the National Institute of Justice for the specific purchases of DNA equipment and software; and
WHEREAS, The equipment will be validated and used to increase the efficiency of the DNA screening process and allow for more scientists to screen evidence simultaneously; and,
WHEREAS, Foster & Freeman is the sole manufacturer and distributor the Crime-lite AUTO technology. There is no other source for these products in this territory than to purchase directly from Foster & Freeman. Therefore, the Division of Police is requesting a Sole Source purchase so that they may purchase the specified items from the grant award and to be in compliance with the grant application and award; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to enter said agreement in accordance with sole source provisions of Section 329 of the City Code; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, in that it is immediately necessary to purchase the new DNA screening equipment for use by the Police Crime Lab to increase efficiency in solving outstanding cases, in light of significant lead times of 6-8 weeks from the United Kingdom, and to expend the funds prior to the end of the grant period of December 31, 2024, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Department of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized and directed enter into contract with Foster & Freeman USA, Inc., for the purchase of the Crime-lite AUTO technology which includes validation, training, and freight for the Division of Police Crime Lab.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $71,954.90 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That said contract shall be awarded in accordance with provisions of Sections 329 of the Columbus City Code.
SECTION 4. That at the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 5. That for 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.