Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Columbus Water & Power to modify an existing contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for the Asset Management Program Development services. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $720,723.86. The original contract was authorized by Ordinance 0600-2025.
Columbus Water & Power (CWP) is a large, regional utility that provides water, water reclamation, stormwater, and power services to over one million residents in the central Ohio area and the City continues to grow in both the suburb areas CWP provides services to central Columbus. Due to the City’s growth, aging infrastructure, and increasing regulations, there is a need to properly maintain infrastructure and equipment, as well as understand where and what type of facilities and equipment may be needed to continue seamless operations. The Asset Management Program will implement and improve business practices at Columbus Water and Power, resulting in a more resilient and reliable water, sewer, and power infrastructure. The work products associated with this program include defined Levels of Service, a robust Risk Management strategy for physical assets, and CIP prioritization based on risk and available funding.
The initial project scope included the development of an infrastructure Asset Management (AM) plan for all Divisions of CWP, based on industry best practices. The plan elements are addressing CWP Levels of Service, Risk Management, and Life Cycle Costing to support funding and planning prioritization. The initial plan also offers recommendations on resource needs, including dedicated AM staffing, as well as funding needs for plan development and implementation.
The work associated with Phase II focuses on the high priority initiatives identified in the first phase of the contract. Phase II will include further development of CWP's infrastructure risk management policies and processes, preventive maintenance optimization tool refinement, inventory practices optimization, predictive maintenance program development, change management, training, and communications to enhance the program implementation.
It is anticipated that there will be four phases of work, with this ordinance authorizing the second phase funding and with project completion anticipated by the end of 2029.
Procurement:
Columbus Water & Power solicited competitive proposals through Vendor Services and Bonfire from November 8th, 2024, to December 6th, 2024, for the Asset Management Program Development Services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code, RFQ029199. Two bids were received and were both deemed responsive and were evaluated on December 12th, 2024. The evaluation committee determined that Burgess & Niple, Inc. submitted the strongest proposal because of the relevant experience of its project team and its understanding of Columbus Water & Power’s needs.
The original term of the contract was from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed until the contract deliverables and any modifications are completed to the satisfaction of the City, authorized by Ordinance 0600-2025. The contract amount authorized was $1,058,004.71.
This ordinance authorizes the first modification of the contract and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code. For each year of the contract, funding is contingent on availability within the budget, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of City Council, and certification of funds by the City Auditor. This contract does not automatically renew. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification #1 is $720,723.86. Total contract amount including this modification is $ 1,778,728.57.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds were expected at the time of the initial contract and this modification is for funding associated with the second phase of the contract.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: Work under this modification No. 1 is a continuation of services included in the scope of the original bid contract. No lower pricing or more attractive terms and conditions are anticipated currently.
4. How was cost determined: The modification is based upon estimated rates established in the existing contract.
Principal Party:
Burgess & Niple, Inc.
330 Rush Alley, Suite 700
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Kevin Campanella, (614) 721-3988
Contract Compliance Number: 004425
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: December 11th, 2027
Fiscal Impact: $720,723.86 is available from within the Public Utilities Operating Funds to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
$298,796.11 was spent in 2025
$00.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of Columbus Water & Power to modify an existing agreement with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for the Asset Management Program Development services; and to authorize the expenditure of $720,723.86 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds. ($720,723.86)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Columbus Water & Power to modify and increase an existing contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for the Asset Management Program Development services; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code pertaining to contract modifications; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $720,723.86 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 Columbus Water & Power, in that it is necessary to authorize the Director of Columbus Water & Power to enter into a modification agreement with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for the Asset Management Program Development services; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Columbus Water & Power be and is hereby authorized to modify an existing agreement with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for the Asset Management Program Development services. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $720,723.86.
SECTION 2. That this modification is in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code, Chapter 329, relating to contract modifications and renewals.
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 5. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $720,723.86, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in object class 03 Services, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds, per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.