Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation is for the option to establish a Universal Term Contract (UTC) for Process Control Computer System Maintenance with Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc. The Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water is the sole user for the Process Control Computer System. This automated computer system constantly monitors treatment plants controls in water production. The system tests, regulates, and provides safe clean water for the City. The term of the proposed option contract shall be in effect for approximately three (3) years, expiring December 31, 2028, with the option to renew for one (1) additional one (1) year period. The Purchasing Office opened formal bids on October 10, 2025. In addition, the expenditure of $1.00 is hereby authorized from General Budget Reservation BRPR003264.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of Section 329.18 relating to competitive bidding (Request for Quotation No. RFQ031137). One (1) bid was received.
The Purchasing Office is recommending award to the overall lowest, responsive, responsible and best bidder as follows:
Schneider Electric Systems USA Inc., CC# 000162, Expiration: 9/8/2027, All items and catalogue, $1.00
Total Estimated Annual Expenditure: $250,000
Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water, the sole user.
Emergency Designation: The Finance and Management Department respectfully requests this legislation to be considered an emergency ordinance because the current contract expires on December 31, 2025 and it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus for these systems to be in place to ensure production of safe clean water;
The 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.
FISCAL IMPACT: The expenditure of $1.00 is hereby authorized from General Budget Reservation BRPR003264. Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water will be required to obtain approval to expend from their own appropriations for their estimated annual expenditures.
Title
To authorize the Finance and Management Director to enter into a Universal Term Contract for the option to purchase Process Control Computer System Maintenance with Schneider Electric Systems USA Inc.; and to authorize the expenditure of $1.00 from General Budget Reservation; and to declare an emergency. ($1.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Process Control Computer System Maintenance UTC will provide for the purchase of Process Control Computer Maintenance used in the production of safe clean water; and,
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office advertised and solicited formal bids on October 10, 2025 and selected Schneider Electric Systems USA Inc, as the most responsive, responsible and best bidder; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Finance and Management Director to enter into a Universal Term Contract for the option to purchase Process Control Computer Systems for the production of safe clean water as the current contract expires December 31, 2025, 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 Finance and Management Director is hereby authorized to enter into the following Universal Term Contract for the option to purchase Process Control Computer System Maintenance in accordance with Request for Quotation RFQ031137 for a term of approximately three (3) years, expiring December 31, 2028, with the option to renew for one (1) additional year, as follows:
Schneider Electric Systems USA Inc., All items and catalogue, $1.00
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $1.00 is hereby authorized from General Budget Reservation BRPR003264 of this ordinance to pay the cost thereof.
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 for the reason 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.