Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with T&M Associates for Environmental Management System and Environmental Compliance Support Services. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $297,500.00.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) requires annual internal audits at many of its facilities, staffed and unstaffed, for its applicable environmental programs. Additionally, the City of Columbus has over 100 facilities that require periodic internal audits for their Sustainable Columbus environmental programs. T&M Associates will support DPU in the implementation of environmental compliance obligations. They will provide the City with support for Title V and Non-Title V air permitting and compliance oversight, the creation and updating of Stormwater Pollution prevention Plan maintaining compliance with the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and the Ohio EPA Industrial Stormwater permit. They will provide services that ensure DPU’s Environmental management System (EMS) conforms with applicable ISO standards and Department compliance based EMS conforms with regulatory compliance standards.
T&M Associates will also provide DPU with various plan and map updates, including providing CAD services to update facility maps and handling spill prevention control and countermeasure plan certification and updates. They will offer other general environmental compliance support on an as needed basis to DPU. The support agreement is in effect for a period of one (1) year to and including April 30, 2026.
Procurement:
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive proposals through Vendor Services and Bonfire from December 17th, 2024 to February 7th, 2025 for Environmental Compliance Support Services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code, RFQ029434. Two (2) bids were received by GreenUp Holdings, LLC and T&M Associates. They were both deemed responsive and were evaluated on February 18th, 2025. The evaluation committee determined that T&M Associates submitted the strongest proposal because of the relevant experience of its project team, its understanding of the Department’s scope of work, and presented a tailored approach to address those needs.
The original term of the contract will be for a period of one year from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, with yearly renewal options for an additional two (2) years (for a maximum contract length of three (3) years). For each year of the contract, funding is contingent on funding availability, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of City Council, and certification of funds by the City Auditor. The contract does not automatically renew.
This ordinance authorizes the initial term of the contract and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code.
Minority and Women Owned business Enterprise & Small Local Business Enterprise Program:
This contract opportunity was submitted to the City’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) for review and assignment of an MBE/WBE goal prior to bidding. After review of the utilization plan and other related information the contractors submitted, ODI approved an MBE/WBE Program goal of 10% for this contract.
Principal Party:
T&M Associates
4675 Lakehurst Court, Suite 250
Dublin, OH 43016
Donald Pinto, (614) 339-3380
Contract Compliance Number: 001614
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: April 10, 2026
MWBE Subcontractors:
Donahue IDEAS, LLC.
1900 Polaris Parkway, Suite 450
Columbus, Ohio 43240
MWBE Certification Status: WBE
MWBE Certification Expiration Date: 03/06/2026
Coldwater Consulting
995 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43206
MWBE Certification Status: WBE
MWBE Certification Expiration Date: 01/13/2027
CAP STONE & Associates Inc. dba Stone Environmental
3700 Corporate Drive, Suite 125
Columbus, Ohio 43231
MWBE Certification Status: WBE
MWBE Certification Expiration Date: 05/07/2026
Fiscal Impact: $297,500.00 is budgeted and available from within the Public Utilities Operating Funds to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
$97,380.51 was spent in 2024
$140,046.81 was spent in 2023
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a service agreement with T&M Associates for Environmental Management System and Environmental Compliance Support Services; and to authorize the expenditure of $297,500.00 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds. ($297,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with T&M Associates for Environmental Management System and Environmental Compliance Support Services; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities solicited proposals for Environmental Management System and Environmental Compliance Support Services in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code through RFQ029434; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to enter into a service agreement for a period of one (1) year to and including April 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $297,500.00 from the Public Utilities Operating Fund, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract for Environmental Management System and Environmental Compliance Support Services with T&M Associates; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is authorized to enter into a service agreement with T&M Associates, for Environmental Management System and Environmental Compliance Support Services. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $297,500.00.
SECTION 2. That this contract is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 3. That the expenditure of $297,500.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from object class 03, Services, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.