Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Water purchased the software for the Water and Sewer Information Management System (WASIMS) from Indus Utility Systems (fka SCT Utility Systems). We have made modifications to the system over the last few years which have caused issues that need to be addressed, therefore, we would like Indus to perform a system assessment and data analysis. The goal of assessing the system will be to optimize our internal business processes, improve efficiencies, minimize reliance on modifications moving forward, and maximize the value of our CIS solution. The goal of analyzing data will be to determine the root cause of where the modifications have caused problems. Because the software program is proprietary to the vendor, we would like to enter into a sole source contract with Indus Utility Systems, for a system assessment and data analysis of our WASIMS billing system, in the amount of $100,000.00. The Contract Compliance Number for the Indus Utility Systems is 23-2296631. They do not have MBE/FBE status.
It is requested that this Ordinance be handled in an emergency manner as the quicker they assess the system and make recommendations, the quicker we can optimize our internal business practices.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Division of Water has not budgeted any funds for this project. Object Level One "03" expenditures will be reprioritized in order to cover the deficit. There have been no expenditures for this type of project in the last two years.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract, with Indus Utility Systems, for a system assessment and data analysis of our WASIMS billing system, in accordance with the sole source provisions of the Columbus City Code, to authorize the expenditure of $100,000.00 from Water Systems Operating Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($100,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Water purchased software from Indus Utility Systems (fka SCT Utility Systems), for the Water and Sewer Information Management System (WASIMS), and
WHEREAS, the Division has made modifications to the system which have caused issues that need to be addressed, and
WHEREAS, the Division would like Indus to perform a system assessment and data analysis which will enable us to optimize our internal business practices, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract, for a system assessment and data analysis of our WASIMS billing system, with Indus Utility Systems, in an emergency manner as the quicker they assess the system and make recommendations, the quicker we can optimize our internal business practices, for the immediate preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Indus Utility Systems, in accordance with the sole source provisions of Section 329.07(e) of the Columbus City Code, for the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities.
Section 2. That the expenditure of $100,000.00 or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from Water Works Fund 600, Department 60-09, OCA Code 602995, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3336, to pay the cost thereof.
Section 3. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is 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.