Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for Grant Writing professional services. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $102,540.64.
The consultant will continue to help with researching, developing, writing, preparing and submitting successful grant proposals for federal and state government grants and private foundation grants. Primary responsibilities include identifying and responding to all eligible grant opportunities selected by the City, providing advocacy guidance and public relations support, and grant program tracking. The consultant will also help with procurement of support through congressionally directed spending requests.
The term of this contract is established for one-year with an expiration date of 5/31/2026.
Principal Parties:
Burgess & Niple, Inc.
330 Rush Alley, Suite 700
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Betsy Ehler, (614) 459-2050
Contract Compliance Number: 004425
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: 01/10/2026
Subcontractor:
Murphy Epson Inc.
1650 Watermark Dr. Suite 210
Columbus, Ohio 43215
MWBE Certification Status: WBE
MWBE Certification Expiration Date: 12/20/2026
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. As of now, $102,540.64 is available on PO386294, $22,540.64, and PO451003, $80,000.00 to meet the financial obligations of this contract. The Department is seeking authorization to use the remaining funds on PO386294 and PO451003 to pay for the costs of the contract.
$17,301.53 has been spent so far in 2025
$120,083.46 was spent in 2024
$90,074.37 was spent in 2023
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for grant writing professional services for an amount not to exceed $102,540.64; to authorize the use of $102,540.64 remaining funds on existing purchase orders to pay for the costs of the contract; and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for Grant Writing professional services; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to use the remaining funds on PO386294 and PO451003; and
WHEREAS, due to the expected costs and project delays associated with restarting the Grant Writing professional services bidding process, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of competitive bidding in Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes and enter into a contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for Grant Writing professional services; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for Grant Writing professional services; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a service contract not to exceed $102,540.64 with Burgess & Niple, Inc. in accordance with such other terms and conditions of the agreement on file for Grant Writing professional services through May 31, 2026.
SECTION 2. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to use the funds associated with PO386294 and PO451003, originally set up for Grant Writing professional services.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes for the contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. and does hereby waive the same.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.