Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of Department of Columbus Water and Power (CWP) to enter into a sole source contract with Hansen Banner, LLC for annual software maintenance and support for the Columbus Utility Billing System (CUBS) for the contract amount of $772,496.96.
The City uses Columbus Utility Billing System (CUBS) to support billing and collections for the Department of Columbus Water and Power (CWP). This contract will allow CWP to continue utilizing services provided by Hansen Banner, LLC for annual software maintenance and support services for the CUBS.
This ordinance requests approval to enter into a sole source contract for services provided by Hansen Banner, LLC in accordance with sole source procurement provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code as it has been determined Hansen Banner, LLC is the sole distributor of the software products associated with the CUBS system, and does not utilize distributors or resellers to provide maintenance and support or professional services for its software products.
This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $772,496.96 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on September 30, 2025, to October 1, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $772,496.96 is budgeted and available in the Department of Technology’s, Information Services Operating Fund, Fund 5100.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Vendor: Hansen Banner, LLC
DAX vendor no.: 008834
Expiration Date: 7/14/2027
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency designation is being requested for these services that are necessary to support daily operation activities, to ensure no service interruption which could negatively affect customers, and to establish a purchase order by September 30, 2025.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of the Department of Columbus Water and Power (CWP) to enter into the sole source contract for annual software maintenance and support services with Hansen Banner, LLC in accordance with the sole source provisions of the Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $772,496.96 from the Department of Technology, Information Service Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($772,496.96)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of the Department of Columbus Water and Power (CWP) to enter into a sole source contract with Hansen Banner, LLC for annual software maintenance and support for the Columbus Utility Billing System (CUBS); and
WHEREAS, the services provided by Hansen Banner, LLC are in accordance with sole source procurement provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code; and
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall be for one year starting from September 30, 2025, to October 1, 2026, at a cost of $772,496.96; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $772,496.96 from the Department of Technology’s, Information Services Operating Fund, Fund 5100; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Hansen Banner, LLC, on behalf of the Department of Columbus Power and Water for the Columbus Utility Billing System (CUBS) to provide software maintenance and support for the coverage term from September 30, 2025 to October 1, 2026, to support daily operation activities, to ensure no service interruption which could negatively affect customers, and to establish a purchase order by September 30, 2025 the beginning of the coverage term, 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, on behalf of the Department of Columbus Water and Power (CWP) be and are hereby authorized to enter into a sole source contract with Hansen Banner, LLC as the sole source provider for annual software maintenance and support for the Columbus Utility Billing System (CUBS). This agreement will provide software maintenance and support for the coverage term period from September 30, 2025, to October 1, 2026, at a cost of $772,496.96.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure $772,496.96, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended from the Information Services Operating Fund as shown on the attachment to this ordinance, which is incorporated herein by reference. (Please see attachment 2126-2025EXP)
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any changes to revise the funding source for any contract 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 this ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the sole source provisions of the City of Columbus Code Chapter 329.
SECTION 6. 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.