Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Tablet Command, Inc. for CAD Application Programming Interface (API) integration services on behalf of the Division of Fire's Emergency Services Bureau. The Fire Division uses Tablet Command's proprietary software for receiving computer aided dispatching incident information directly at fire ground and emergency response scenes. This contract for software integration services will allow for upgraded two-way communication between existing fire ground communications and the Fire Division's Fire Computer Aided Dispatching system. Upgrades include the ability to post vital real-time incident related comments, vehicle status and locations directly from the emergency scene to Fire dispatchers, and provide augmented emergency response communications. A bid waiver is necessary as Tablet Command Inc. is the proprietary owner of it's contents, and thus no other vendor can offer these services.
Contract Compliance: Tablet Command Inc. FID 812137481 / vendor #031390
Bid Waiver Justification: The Division of Fire has successfully implemented this specialized fire ground communications software with Tablet Command Inc. who is the proprietary owner of it's contents, and thus no vendor can offer these services.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested so that these integration services can commence in accordance with the Department of Technology's time line, and ensure upgrades can be applied as quickly and effectively per DoT's guidance and direction.
FISCAL IMPACT: This legislation seeks to enter into a contract with Tablet Command Inc. in the amount of $28,859.00, which will be funded within Fire's General Fund Services Budget.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Tablet Command Inc. for CAD Application Programming Interface (API) integration services on behalf of the Division of Fire; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $28,859.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($28,859.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Fire uses Tablet Command software for receiving vital computer aided dispatching incident information at fire ground emergency response scenes; and,
WHEREAS, the Division of Fire has an immediate need to upgrade this existing fire ground incident reporting software with Tablet Command Inc. to allow for real-time two-way communication during emergency responses; and,
WHEREAS, a bid waiver is necessary as Tablet Command Inc. is the owner of this specialized proprietary software and no other vendor can offer said services; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Fire, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Tablet Command Inc. for CAD Application Programming Interface (API) integration services to allow for said upgrades to current fire ground communications, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Tablet Command Inc. for CAD Application Programming Interface (API) integration services to upgrade current fire ground communications.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $28,859.00 from the General Fund is hereby authorized per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it to be in the best interests of the City to waive the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to Competitive bidding for this purchase.
SECTION 4. That all 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 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 6. That for 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.