Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Leeds Forensic Systems for the purchase of a LCF Firearms Microscope for examination of firearms evidence by the Division of Police Crime Lab Unit.
At the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners meeting, criminalists from the City of Columbus Division of Police Crime Lab Unit examined and spoke with manufacturers on this type of equipment. The microscope manufactured by Leeds Forensic Systems is unique because it provides a higher magnification than comparable microscopes. The higher magnification provides the ability to more closely review items in more detail for forensic comparison. In addition, only the Leeds Precision microscope is able to provide removal of the entire stage for large items in forensic comparison. The advantage of removing the stage to permit viewing of large items is less likelihood of damaging evidence during viewing.
Analysis conducted by the Forensic Scientists using this microscope will be presented in criminal proceedings. Since the company is the sole manufacturer/distributor offering this unique type of microscope, this contract will be entered into in accordance with the sole source procurement provisions. Negotiations were conducted with the company to obtain the best possible pricing for the City of Columbus Division of Police. The contract with Leeds Forensic Systems will cost $70,802.00.
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.
Contract Compliance No: 260763608, expires 10/27/2010
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested in order to expedite delivery of equipment for a forensic study; and to meet the expiration date of the quotation.
FISCAL IMPACT - This ordinance authorizes an $70,802.00 expenditure from the Law Enforcement Seizure fund for the purchase of a Firearms Microscope for the Police Crime Lab. There is no impact on the financial status of the General Fund.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Leeds Forensic Systems, in accordance with Sole Source procurement, for the purchase of a Firearms Microscope; to authorize the expenditure of $70,802.00 from the Law Enforcement Seizure Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($70,802.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Police examined several types of comparison microscopes for forensic use; and
WHEREAS, Leeds Forensic Systems was the only manufacturer to give higher magnification and the ability to view large items for forensic comparison; and
WHEREAS, this purchase was budgeted in the Law Enforcement Seizure Fund; and
WHEREAS, Leeds Forensic Systems is the sole manufacturer and sole distributor of this microscope; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to enter into this contract in accordance with provisions of Section 329-07c (Sole Source) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959; 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 enter into contract for the purchase of a LCF Firearms Microscope with Leeds Forensic Systems 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 enter into contract with Leeds Forensic Systems for the purchase of a LCF Firearms Microscope for the Crime Lab Unit of the Division of Police.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $70,802.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized as follows:
DEPT: 30-03 | FUND: 219 | OBJ LEV 1: 06 | OBJ LEV 3: 6697 | OCA: 300988 | SUB FUND 016 |
SECTION 3. That said contract shall be awarded in accordance with provisions of Section 329.07c (Sole Source) of the Columbus City Code, 1959.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared 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.