Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing indefinite quantity contract with Sahara Global Security LLC for security services at City of Columbus pools, sports facilities and other locations as needed. The initial contract is not to exceed $50,000.00. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is an increase of $200,000.00 for an aggregate maximum obligation of $250,000.00.
The Recreation and Parks Department utilizes the Columbus Police Department for all security needs when possible. If there are security needs that surpass the ability of the Columbus Police Department to assist, then private security companies are scheduled to fulfill those needs. Due to heightened security concerns at the outdoor pools and difficulty in filling all openings with the Columbus Police Department, additional private security officers are needed. An aggregate maximum obligation of $250,000.00 will ensure that all facilities are secured and the visitors and staff are safe.
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on January 23, 2026, and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on February 6, 2026. Five vendors responded: AM-Gard Inc, API Security Services & Investigations Inc., Patriot Protection Services, Sahara Global Security LLC, & Silver Star Protection Group Holdings LLC.
1.1 The amount of additional funds to be expended: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract is $200,000. Total contract amount, including this amount, is $250,000.
1.2 Reasons additional goods/services could not be foreseen: The need for additional funds were expected and awarded to a different vendor, but vendor is no longer able to meet those requirements, thus funds being added in this modification.
1.3 Reason other procurement processes are not used: Procurement was completed by the posting of RFQ031992 on Vendor Services, with submissions received on February 6, 2026.
1.4 How cost of modification was determined: The cost is based upon estimated requirements for 2026 at rates established in the existing contract.
Principal Parties:
Sahara Global Security LLC
85 E Gay St STE 905
Columbus, OH 43215
Zachariah Carper - ZC@SaharaGlobal.com
Contract Compliance Number: 047971
Contract Compliance Expiration: 2/17/2028
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested to ensure that Recreation and Parks facilities continue to operate safely during the summer season and for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health and safety.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance will modify the previously authorized amount by $200,000.00. $200,000.00 is budgeted and available in the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 to meet the financial obligations of this contract modification. The aggregate total amount authorized, including this modification, is $250,000.00.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to modify an existing contract with Sahara Global Security LLC for security services at the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department pools, sporting facilities, and public events; to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to modify an existing contract with Sahara Global Security LLC for security services at City of Columbus pools, sports facilities and other locations; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Sahara Global Security LLC to provide security services to help ensure that pools, sporting facilities, and public events continue to operate safely during the summer season, all for the immediate preservation of the 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 Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to modify an existing contract with Sahara Global Security LLC for security services at City of Columbus pools, sports facilities and other locations. The amount of the modification is $200,000.00 and the aggregate total amount authorized, including this modification, is $250,000.00.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $200,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. 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 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.