Explanation
Background: The ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one backhoe loader for the Division of Water, in an amount not to exceed $167,282.23.
The Distribution Maintenance Section will use the backhoe loader to conduct maintenance-type work around the underground water mains and related infrastructure. This purchase has been approved by the Division of Fleet Management and will replace BT25718.
Procurement
The Purchasing Office solicited competitive bids through Vendor Services from May 21, 2026, to June 11, 2026, for the purchase of one backhoe loader in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code, RFQ032891. Fifty-six vendors were solicited and two bids were received. The bids were opened and evaluated on June 11, 2026.
After the bids were evaluated, it was determined that the apparent low bidder proposed equipment that differed from the published specifications. The Division of Water reviewed the specification exceptions and determined that the proposed Case 590SN backhoe loader meets or exceeds the City’s operational requirements, including exceeding the specified size requirements. The Division of Water recommends the award be given to Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc., as they were the most responsive, responsible, and best bidder. A bid waiver is requested to allow acceptance of the low bidder’s specification exceptions.
Principal Party:
Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc.
10874 East Pike Road
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Ryan Tocosik (614) 889-1073
Contract Compliance Number: 006684
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: PENDING UPDATE
Fiscal Impact: $167,282.23 is available from within the Water Operating Fund to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
$171,000.00 was spent in 2025
$171,290.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one backhoe loader for the Department of Public Utilities; to waive competitive bidding of the Columbus City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $167,282.23 from within the Water Operating Fund. ($167,282.23)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one backhoe loader for the Department of Public Utilities; and
WHEREAS, due to the low bidder proposing an item different from the specifications, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provision of competitive bidding in Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes and enter into contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one backhoe loader for the Department of Public Utilities; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $167,282.23 from within the Water Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one backhoe loader in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of Solicitation Number RFQ032891 on file in the Purchasing Office; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one backhoe loader in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number RFQ032891 on file in the Purchasing Office.
SECTION 2. 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 Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. and does hereby waive the same.
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 $167,282.23, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in object class 06 Capital Outlay, from within the Water Operating Fund, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.