Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into contract with Axon Enterprise Inc for the purchase of a radio-frequency unmanned aerial (UAS) detection system as part of the State Homeland Security Grant. The UAS market was valued at an estimated $13.4B in 2020, with an increasing number of UAS being used for illicit purposes to include terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and pre-attack surveillance. The requested detection system is capable of being deployed in an environment threatened by UAS incursions in order to have advanced notification of a UAS flight, and the ability to identify the location of the operator. This technology would be able to be used to increase public safety and awareness at major events in the City of Columbus and Ohio Homeland Security Region 4.
BID INFORMATION: Four proposals were received on RFQ027870 by the bid closing date of June 27, 2024, and the lowest overall bidder meeting specifications was selected. Approval was sought from the Ohio EMA to proceed with the procurement of the system using the Counter Drone Grant (G332310) and approval was given on October 21, 2024.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: CC038851, Compliance expires 03/27/2026.
This company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested so that the Division of Police may purchase the system prior to expiration of the bids and to meet grant deadlines.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $194,879.20 from the FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant (G332310) and the 2024 Law Enforcement Contraband Fund for the purchase of a radio-frequency unmanned aerial (UAS) detection system. Funds were budgeted in the FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant for this purpose and have been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 2852-2023. Additional funding will come from the 2024 Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund appropriated which was authorized by Ordinance 1148-2024.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance, on behalf of the Division of Police, to enter into contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for the purchase of a radio-frequency unmanned aerial (UAS) detection system; to authorize an expenditure of $194,879.20 from the FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant and the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund; to authorize a transfer within the General Government Grant Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($194,879.20)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Police has a need for the Director of Finance to enter into contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for the purchase of a radio-frequency unmanned aerial (UAS) detection system; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance issued a Request for Proposals for a UAS Detection System: and
WHEREAS, four proposals were received via RFQ0027870, and the evaluation determined that Axon Enterprise Inc, provided the lowest, most responsive bid meeting specifications; and
WHEREAS, funding will come from the FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant (G332310) and the 2024 Law Enforcement Contraband Fund; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer funds between object classes within the FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant to cover the cost of the equipment and services; 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 authorize the Director of Finance to enter into contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for the purchase of a radio-frequency unmanned aerial (UAS) detection system as part of the State Homeland Security Grant prior to expiration of the competitive bids and to meet grant deadlines, 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 Finance be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for the purchase of a radio-frequency unmanned aerial (UAS) detection system.
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $90.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized within Fund 2220, FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $194,879.20, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized from the FFY22 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant (G332310) and the 2024 Law Enforcement Contraband Fund, per the accounting codes attached to 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 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 and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
SECTION 6. 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.