Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into a contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp, for VMWare Technical Account Manager (TAM) services software licensing to support the infrastructure and client teams with their VMWare based platforms (Workspace One, VMWare hypervisor, NSX-T, and other VMWare foundation services, etc.).
Server virtualization is the conversion of one physical server into multiple individual and isolated virtual storage spaces. This industry standard was adopted by the Department of Technology in 2009 to reduce the costs of Data Center operations. This also reduces power consumption, cooling requirements, and provides further capabilities for recovery and availability of information systems. VMWare software is the core component that is needed to operate virtual servers that run critical applications for the enterprise such as Accela, CUBS, and 311.
Carahsoft Technology Corp licensing is offered through the Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARnet) which is a nonprofit organization that is a division of the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Ohio Technology Consortium. OARnet serves Ohio's education, health care, public broadcasting and government communities to provide VMWare services. OARnet contracts pricing with Carahsoft Technology Corp to distribute its services. Therefore, a waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Section 329 is requested to enter into contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp to receive OARnet’s contracted pricing.
This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $108,219.18 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $108,219.18 is budgeted and available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Vendor name: Carahsoft Technology Corp
DAX Vendor Acct. #: 009115
Expiration Date: 9/26/2026
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp for VMWare Technical Account Manager (TAM) services software licensing; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; and to authorize the expenditure of $108,219.18 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund. ($108,219.18)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology has a need for VMWare Technical Account Manager (TAM) services software licensing; and
WHEREAS, the VMWare services currently used by the Department of Technology (DoT) supports all virtual servers and remote connectivity. This is a critical service and is required to maintain critical operations; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology desires to enter into contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp, at a cost of $108,219.18 for the purchase of VMWare Technical Account Manager (TAM) services software licensing; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 is requested to enter into contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp to receive OARnet’s contracted pricing; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology to authorize the Director of Technology to enter into an agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp for VMWare Technical Account Manager (TAM) services software licensing to support the Infrastructure and client teams with their VMWare based platforms in order to facilitate and maintain uninterrupted services, 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 the Department of Technology (DoT) be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contact with Carahsoft Technology Corp, for VMWare Technical Account Manager (TAM) services software licensing to support the infrastructure and client teams with their VMWare based platforms. The total cost associated with this ordinance is $108,219.18, for the coverage term period from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $108,219.18 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be expended from: (see attachment 0881-2026EXP).
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 and does hereby waive the same.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any changes to revise the funding source for any contract 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.