Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers for the Division of Water, in an amount not to exceed $228,646.00.
The mowers will be used by the watershed section to conduct maintenance type work around the watershed properties and related infrastructure. This purchase has been approved by the Division of Fleet Management and will replace BT23103 and BT23742.
Procurement
The Purchasing Office solicited competitive bids through Vendor Services from May 18, 2026, to June 11, 2026, for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code, RFQ032868. Twenty-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 low bidder provided a quote that was only valid for fifteen days, so they were deemed non-responsive. The second low bidder, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Inc., provided a quote that was only valid for 30 days, so they were also deemed non-responsive. Therefore, the Division of Water recommends the award be given to Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc., as they were the most responsive, responsible, and best bidder. A bid waiver is being requested to allow the vendor time to provide an amended quote for their bid with an extended expiration date to allow the City ample time to process the contract.
Principal Party:
Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc.
9035 Freeway Dr.
Macedonia, OH 44506
Sarah Bushik, (330) 467-2250
Contract Compliance Number: 006435
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: 02/20/2028
Fiscal Impact: $228,646.00 is available from within the Water Operating Fund to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
$105,091.00 was spent in 2025
$00.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers for Columbus Water & Power; to waive competitive bidding of the Columbus City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $228,646.00 from within the Water Operating Fund. ($228,646.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers for Columbus Water & Power; and
WHEREAS, due to the expiration date on Baker Vehicles Systems, Inc.’s quote, it was requested a new quote be provided with an extended expiration date to allow the city ample time to process the contract, therefore, 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 Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers for the Department of Public Utilities; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $228,646.00 from within the Water Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of Columbus Water & Power to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of Solicitation Number RFQ032868 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 Baker Vehicle Systems, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of two batwing mowers in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number RFQ032868 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 Baker Vehicle Systems, 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 $228,646.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in object class 06 Capital Outlay, 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.