Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology to modify a professional services contract with Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc., for fiber optic locating services.
The Department of Technology is responsible for approximately 900 miles of underground fiber optic cabling in various strand count quantities throughout the City of Columbus. This contract provides the City of Columbus, Department of Technology, additional resources for locating services that encompass current layout and/or any new installations.
Ordinance 1819-2024 authorized the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a professional services contract for fiber locating services in the amount of $200,000.00. The original contract term period was for 12 months, starting on 7/26/2024 and ending on 7/25/2025. Most recently, Ordinance 0702-2025 authorized the Director of the Department of Technology to modify the original contract by adding funds to pay for locating services for the Department of Technology in the amount of $200,000.00 and extended the contract expiration date to 7/25/2026.
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology to modify the original contract to add additional funds for a total expenditure of up to $477,039.00 and extend the contract period for an additional twelve (12) months ending on 7/25/2027 for the above-described purpose.
1.1 Amount of additional funds to be expended: $877,039.00
The original contract amount: $200,000.00 (PO459735 Ord. 1819-2024)
The total of Modification No. 1: $200,000.00 (PO508185 Ord. 0702-2025)
The total of Modification No. 2: $477,039.00 (This ordinance)
The contract amount including all modifications: $877,039.00
1.2 Reasons additional goods/services could not be foreseen:
This is a planned modification that will allow the Department of Technology to fulfill the City’s requirement to locate the underground network in order to minimize damage to the network on an as needed basis.
1.3 Reason other procurement processes are not used:
The city currently works with Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc., for fiber optic locating services. This modification adds funds for additional repairs and maintenance. It is in the best interest of the city to modify this contract.
1.4 How cost of modification was determined:
The cost of this contract modification is consistent with the original contract proposal by way of Ordinance 1819-2024.
2. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc.
Vendor#: 049221
Expiration Date: 5/28/2026
3. FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the above-noted services are budgeted and available in the 2026 Information Services operating budget.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION:
Emergency designation is being requested for services which are necessary to support daily operation activities, to ensure no service interruption, and to establish a purchase order as soon as possible.
Title
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology to modify a professional services contract with Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc., for fiber optic locating services to add additional funding: to authorize the expenditure of up to $477,039.00 from the Information Services Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($477,039.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology, Information Services Division has a continuing need for fiber optic locating services; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1819-2024 authorized the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a professional services contract with Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc. and authorized the expenditure of $200,000.00 for fiber locating services; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0702-2025 modified the contract to add $200,000.00 in funding for unforeseen maintenance and repairs; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance modifies the contract to add another $477,039.00 in funding for unforeseen maintenance and repairs; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, to modify the existing contract to support daily operation activities and to ensure no service interruptions, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Technology be and is hereby authorized to execute a contract modification for fiber optic locating services with Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc., and to add funds in an amount up to $477,039.00.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $477,039.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be expended from: (Please see attachment 0282-2026 EXP)
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.