Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of various City departments, to enter into a contract with Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., for the City's learning and performance management system annual hosting fee in the amount $330,593.18.
Cornerstone OnDemand software is used by various City departments and divisions, including Columbus Water and Power (CWP), Human Resources, Public Service, and Fleet Management, to manage their respective learning and performance requirements. The original contract was authorized by ordinance 2490-2015, which was passed by City Council on December 7, 2015. It was most recently authorized by Ordinance 2582-2025, passed by City Council on October 27, 2025.
The term of this contract will be for one year, beginning November 8, 2026, and ending November 7, 2027, with the option to renew for four (4) additional one-year terms, upon mutual agreement and approval of Columbus City Council. This ordinance authorizes funding for the first year of the contract term. The Department of Technology will plan for future costs of this contract within its budget and will seek Council approval for such funding, if required by City Code.
This ordinance also authorizes a waiver of competitive bidding, in accordance with relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. To avoid the significant expense of onboarding a new software platform and capitalize on our established relationship with the current contractor, it is in the City's best interest to proceed with this ordinance via bid waiver.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency measure to ensure the continuous, uninterrupted operation of the City’s learning and performance management system. The current agreement expires on November 7, 2026, and immediate passage is required to prevent a lapse in software hosting services. A disruption in service would directly impact vital City departments and divisions by halting mandatory safety, operational, and regulatory compliance training required for City personnel.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available within the 2026 Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.
Vendor Account: 000683
Expiration Date: Vendor will be contract compliance prior to the issuance of a purchase order
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of various City departments, to enter into a contract with Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., for the City's learning and performance management system annual hosting fee with the option to renew for four (4) additional one-year terms; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes; to authorize an expenditure from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($330,593.18)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Technology, on behalf of various City departments, to enter into a contract with Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. for the annual maintenance and support of the City’s learning and performance management system; and
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall be for one year, starting November 8, 2026, and ending November 7, 2027, at a cost of $330,593.18; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the option to renew the agreement for four (4) additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement and approval of Columbus City Council; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the relevant provisions of Columbus City Codes relating to competitive bidding is hereby authorized; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. for the annual hosting fee for the City’s learning and performance management system and expedite the purchase order ahead of the November 8, 2026, contract expiration, 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 Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of various City departments, be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., for annual hosting fees for the term of one year starting on November 8, 2026, and ending on November 7, 2027, at a cost of $330,593.18, with the option to renew for four (4) additional one-year terms.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $330,593.18, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance (see 2733-2026EXP).
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 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 5. That this ordinance is submitted in accordance with the bid waiver provisions of Section 329 of Columbus City Codes and City Council does hereby waive the competitive bidding requirements under the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons 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.