Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to modify its existing contract with OpportunitySpace, Inc. for the Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform in order to renew it for the second year of a three-year contract and to add a Rental Registry component to the software platform. The initial contract was authorized by Ordinance Number 0762-2025. In 2024, City Council passed several housing initiatives including Vacant Registry, Foreclosure Registry and Wholesaler Registry. This software tool is necessary for the Department to effectively manage these registries and monitor the properties. In addition, Ordinance Number 0923-2026, creating Chapter 4515 the Registry of Residential Rental Properties, will soon be adopted by City Council.
Using up-to-date data such as utility usage, USPS mail delivery, and code violations, the software platform can proactively identify vacant properties before they become blighted. Furthermore, the software will monitor pre-foreclosure and foreclosure filings to give a complete view of properties in financial distress. The addition of the Rental Registry component of the software will provide tools to identify non-compliant properties and enforce registration requirements.
The Tolemi BuildingBlocks software tool differs from other property registry software by offering a map-based analytics approach that integrates data from various sources to provide comprehensive insights into property conditions. Specifically, it will provide automated integration of these data sources at regular intervals to ensure the information contained within the application is up-to-date, process automation based on internal city and county data, with the capability to run advanced spatial queries outside of GIS software, and give user-generated reports and performance metrics across all data sources contained in the application.
The Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform, when combined with the Slate application, is a proprietary product, developed and sold exclusively by OpportunitySpace, Inc., therefore, the original contract was entered into under the sole source provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes.
Per CC 329.09(a): (1) the amount of additional funds to be expended under the modification - $399,000.00; (2) why the need for additional goods or services could not be foreseen at the time the contract was initially awarded - the rental registry was not contemplated at the time of entering into the initial contract; (3) why it would not be in the city's best interests to have the additional contract requirements awarded through other procurement processes specified in this chapter - this is a sole source provider; and (4) how the price for the additional goods or services which are the subject of the modification was determined - based on negotiations with the vendor.
EMERGENCY
Emergency action is requested in order to renew the contract for the second year and also to add the Rental Registry component to the software platform before the existing contract term expires on April 23, 2026.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor: OpportunitySpace, Inc.
Certification #: CC-023594 - Exp: 01/03/2027
The company is not disbarred 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 finding for recovery certified search.
FISCAL IMPACT
This is the second year of a three-year contract, which is subject to annual approval and authorization by City Council and other City officials. The price for the second year of the BuildingBlocks software and support is $149,000.00. Adding the Rental Registry component will cost $250,000.00. This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $399,000.00, which is available in Fund 2240, the Development Services Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to modify its existing contract with OpportunitySpace, Inc. for the Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform and maintenance to renew it for the second year of the contract and also to add the Rental Registry component to the software platform; to authorize the expenditure of $399,000.00 from the Development Services Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($399,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, in 2024, City Council passed several housing initiatives including Vacant Registry, Foreclosure Registry and Wholesaler Registry; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance Number 0923-2026, creating Chapter 4515, the Registry of Residential Rental Properties, will soon be adopted by City Council;
WHEREAS, pursuant to City Code, the Department of Building and Zoning Services is charged with maintaining and managing these registries; and
WHEREAS, the Department has determined that the Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform exclusively provided by OpportunitySpace, Inc. is the most effective and efficient application for the registries; and
WHEREAS, the BuildingBlocks software is proprietary and requires unique support and maintenance that is offered only by OpportunitySpace, Inc., therefore, Ordinance Number 0762-2025 authorized the original contract to be entered into in accordance with the provisions of the sole source provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to authorize the Director to modify its existing contract with OpportunitySpace, Inc. for the Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform and maintenance to renew it for the second year of the contract and also to add the Rental Registry component to the software platform before the existing contract term expires on April 23, 2026, all for the preservation of the public, health, safety and welfare; now, therefore;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services is authorized to modify its existing contract with OpportunitySpace, Inc. for the Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform and maintenance services to renew for the second year and also to add the Rental Registry component to the software platform. This is a three-year contract subject to annual approval and authorization by City Council and other City officials.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $399,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the actions authorized in SECTION 1, is hereby authorized in the from the Department of Building and Zoning Services, Division No. 43-01, Development Services Fund, Fund No. 2240, in Object Class 03, Purchased Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
See Attached File: Ord. 1101-2026 Attachment
SECTION 3. 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 4. That expenditures are hereby authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is 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.