Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into a contract with CDW Government LLC, for the renewal of the Sentinel One software and services for a total cost of $775,345.17 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on October 31, 2025, and ending on November 1, 2026.
On July 18, 2024, the city's Department of Technology discovered evidence of an abnormality in its system, one that was unrelated to a co-occurring global IT outage. The city took swift action to significantly limit potential exposure, including severing internet connectivity, to reduce the threat to the city's systems. The Department of Technology worked diligently and continues to remediate this cybersecurity incident (the "Incident") and restore the city's electronic security and safety.
On July 30, 2024, Mayor Ginther executed a Mayor’s Emergency Letter and declared the Incident to be a clear and present danger to public health, safety, welfare or property. It was then necessary to enter into a legal professional services contract with Dinsmore & Shohl LLC and their named cybersecurity subcontractors (RSM US LLP, Digital Mint, Haystack, Experian, CDWG, and others).
Under the authority of the Mayor’s Emergency Letter and the contract modification authorized by ordinance 2579-2024, the Director of the Department of Technology entered into contract with CDW Government, LLC for the purchase of Sentinel One using the State Term Schedule contract 534605 with State contracted pricing available for two optional additional years. This ordinance authorizes the first (1) renewal at a total cost of $775,345.17 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on October 31, 2025, and ending on November 1, 2026. A waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Section 329 is requested to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to receive Sentinel One software and services contracted pricing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funds for this expenditure have been identified and are available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Vendor name: CDW Government, LLC
EBO_CC- 034427 Expires: 5/22/2027
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC for the renewal of the Sentinel One software, services, and subscriptions; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $775,345.17 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund. ($775,345.17)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology utilizes Sentinel One software, services, and subscriptions to provide the primary protection for the city’s computers against malicious software such as computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware; and
WHEREAS, under the authority of the Mayor’s Emergency Letter and the contract modification authorized by ordinance 2579-2024, the Director of the Department of Technology entered into contract with CDW Government, LLC for the purchase of Sentinel One using the State Term Schedule contract 534605, with State contracted pricing available for two optional additional years; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC at a cost of $775,345.17 for Sentinel One for the period of October 31, 2025, and ending on November 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Section 329 is requested to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to receive Sentinel One’s contracted pricing; and
WHEREAS, the need exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology to authorize the Director to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC for Sentinel One software, services, for the 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 the Department of Technology is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with CDW Government, LLC for Sentinel One software, for a period of twelve (12) months, beginning on October 31, 2025, and ending on November 1, 2026, at a cost of $775,345.17.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $775,345.17, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (Please see 1566-2025EXP)
SECTION 3. That City Council finds it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the formal competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329.
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 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 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.