...Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, to enter into contract with Flock Group, Inc for the purpose of leasing license plate readers to be installed in the same areas as Shotspotter. This purchase is being done through the utilization of a bid waiver. The Division of Police was awarded a grant through the Office of Criminal Justice Services. The Division will be leasing 38 fixed license plate readers (LPRs) from Flock Group, Inc for two years. The first year cost includes the installation of the fixed license plate readers. These cameras will be used to assist SWAT and investigative detectives to monitor and gather evidence regarding the whereabouts of individuals suspected of committing homicides, felonious assaults, and other major crimes. The total contract agreement amount is $228,000.00 with a term period of two (2) years from the date a purchase order is confirmed/certified by the Columbus City Auditor's Office.
This ordinance will also authorize a waiver of competitive bidding, in accordance with relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code. To ensure product compatibility, it is in the City's best interests to utilize a bid waiver for this ordinance, as we currently have 32 flock cameras in use and need these cameras to work together to meet the progress goals of the grant.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: CC-050862, Compliance expires 11/15/2026.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal excluded parties listing or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved findings for recovery certified search.
EMERGENCY LEGISLATION: There is an immediate need to enter into contract with Flock Group, Inc for LPRs to meet grant deadlines and guidelines for the funds awarded to the Division of Police. Emergency legislation is being requested so as to avoid non-compliance with the grantor.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $228,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, from the FY24 Columbus LPR Project for the purchase of leasing license plate readers for the City of Columbus, Division of Police. Funds budgeted in the FY24 Columbus LPR Project have been allocated for this purchase.
...Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, to enter into contract with Flock Group, Inc to lease and install License Plate Readers; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $228,000.00 from the FY24 Columbus LPR Project Grant; and to declare an emergency. ($228,000.00)
...Body
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes the Director of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, to enter into contract with Flock Group, Inc for the purpose of leasing license plate readers to be installed in the same areas as Shotspotter; and,
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement will be two years from the date a purchase order is confirmed/certified by the Columbus City Auditor's Office; and,
WHEREAS, this ordinance will also authorize a waiver of competitive bidding in accordance with relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code; and,
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes an expenditure of $228,000.00 from the FY24 Columbus LPR Project Grant; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Flock Group, Inc for the purpose of leasing license plate readers to be installed in the same areas as Shotspotter within the grant period as an emergency exists given the urgent need for the reduction of violent crime and increased solve rates, for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1: That the Director of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Flock Group, Inc for the purpose of leasing license plate readers to be installed in the same areas as Shotspotter. The total contract agreement amount is $228,000.00 for the term of two years from the date a purchase order is confirmed/certified by the Columbus City Auditor's Office.
SECTION 2: That the expenditure of $228,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be expended from the FY24 Columbus LPR Project Grant in Object Class 03-Professional Services as stated in the 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 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 Council finds it in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code to enter into this contract.
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.