Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology to enter a non-profit service contract with the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC). The Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) is the non-profit organization created to continue the efforts of the Smart Columbus US Department of Transportation Grant.
The mission of the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) is to create an agile and collaborative innovation lab that delivers impact through leadership, partnership, and project delivery. This initiative establishes a framework for municipal thought leadership. This process involves creating a forward-thinking urban vision, convening diverse partners for collaborative learning, and sharing stories of regional success to drive future civic progress.
Fostering an ecosystem of partnerships motivated by, invested in, and acting toward, a shared vision through one or more of the following levels:
Counsel: Smart Columbus, LLC provides advice and guidance to those in the public-private academic communities.
Connect Partners: Smart Columbus, LLC introduces and connects businesses and individuals in our ecosystem to one another to foster collaborations.
Develop Strategy: Smart Columbus, LLC develops a strategy for identified projects or areas of impact.
Build and deploy solutions: Smart Columbus, LLC builds and deploys solutions for identified projects or areas of impact.
Smart Columbus, LLC delivers impact through human-centered, technology-enabled solutions co-created with the community. Projects include the following: Intersectional, New and Next, Impactful, Doable, and Real. The organization supports a portfolio of projects that are initiated and financially supported in different business models. The models are:
Incubator Model: The organization will proactively invest in an idea or domain area, taking it through incubation, market analysis, and product development with invested resources. This direct influence on creating a solution requires high investment but allows for building and influencing of solutions to impact a defined area of work. The projects are longer term commitments and iterative to get to impact outcomes and are funded by grants and community investment.
Consulting Model: This model uses Smart Columbus, LLC as a project manager on selected projects or ideas owned by existing entities, businesses, and/or partners. These engagements could be more short-term and are funded by a project management fee.
Smart Columbus, LLC supports plans and activities related to the city’s broadband and digital equity initiatives. These funds will also be used to study and plan further efforts to scale solutions that close the digital divide in the City of Columbus.
The services included in this contract cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the city’s current responsibility and capacity to provide.
FISCAL IMPACT
The funds for this expenditure have been identified and are available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC)
Vendor Account: 045611
Expiration: 8/11/2027
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter a non-profit service contract with the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) to support the ongoing efforts and work of the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC); and to authorize an expenditure from the Information Services Operating Fund. ($300,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) was created through a US Department of Transportation grant; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC), a non-profit organization, is in the next phase of the work, after the end of the original grant; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) is to create an agile and collaborative innovation lab that delivers impact through thought leadership, partnership, and project delivery; and
WHEREAS, Smart Columbus, LLC will lead private sector elements of the Climate Action plan and Electrification efforts, as well as assist with activities related to the City’s broadband and digital equity initiatives; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter a non-profit service contract with the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) for supporting the ongoing efforts and work of the organization and to allow for its services for the 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 is authorized to enter a non-profit service contract with the Columbus Partnership (dba Smart Columbus, LLC) for ongoing operational support in the amount of $300,000.00.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $300,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 5100 (Information Services Operating Fund), Dept-Div 4701 (DoT Administration), in Object Class 03 (Purchased Services) per the accounting codes in the attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this contract is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to not-for-profit service contracts.
SECTION 4. That the funds are hereby deemed appropriated and transfers authorized 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.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.