Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of 6Columbus Water & Power to modify an existing contract with Timmons Group, Inc. for services related to the GIS data model migration to the Utility Network Model project. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $10,200.00. The original contract was authorized by Ordinance 1516-2024.
Columbus Water & Power (CWP) maintains separate geodatabases for sewerage (sanitary, combined, and stormwater), water, and electricity. Each with its own existing geometric network (GN). This project will help migrate from the separate GN data model and implement Esri’s Utility Network Model (UNM). This solution is expected to automate the synchronization of updates from ArcGIS Utility Network database to ArcGIS geometric network data until the current integration between ArcGIS geometric network and ArcFM Responder is transitioned. This phase of the project will provide CWP with a prototype, the development and testing of a final product, and training to help CWP be successful in the use of the new system. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Procurement:
Columbus Water & Power solicited competitive bids through the Vendor Services and Bonfire websites from January 29th, 2024, to March 8th, 2024, for these services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code, RFQ026745. Four bids were received. All were deemed responsive and were evaluated on March 21st, 2024. The evaluation committee determined that Timmons Group, Inc. submitted the strongest proposal because its applicable past performance, well-defined proposal that meets the project needs, and approach for both the wet and dry side of utility needs.
The original term of the contract was from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, up to and including August 31st, 2026, authorized by Ordinance 1516-2024. The contract amount authorized was $350,000.00.
Ordinance 0110-2025 authorized the first modification increasing the funding allocations by $341,541.60, of which after further scope negotiations $278,805.36 were set up on a purchase order leaving $62,736.24 on the general budget reservation approval.
Ordinance 2897-2026 authorized the second modification utilizing $60,000.00 of the remaining authorized funding allocation from Ordinance 0110-2025 and extended the contract through December 31st, 2028.
This ordinance authorizes the third modification of the contract and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code. For each year of the contract, funding is contingent on availability within the budget, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of City Council, and certification of funds by the City Auditor. This contract does not automatically renew. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification #2 is $10,200.00. Total contract amount including this modification is $699,005.36.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds were discovered when the Department started its transition from the Cityworks platform to the Trimble Unity platform, requiring the vendor to reconfigure and test against the new software.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: This modification is a continuation of the original contract. No lower pricing or more attractive terms and conditions are anticipated at this time.
4. How was cost determined: The costs were negotiated based on needs and a quote was provided.
Principal Party:
Timmons Group, Inc.
1001 Boulders Parkway, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23225
Ally Kennedy, 804-433-2998
Contract Compliance Number: 019143
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: PENDING UPDATE
Subcontractor:
Avineon, Inc.
8401 Greensboro Dr. Suite 510
McLean, VA 22102
Contract Compliance Number: 047169
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: October 17th, 2027
Fiscal Impact: $10,200.00 is available from within the Public Utilities Operating Funds to meet the financial obligations of this contract modification.
$155,388.29 was spent in 2025
$133,714.93 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of Columbus Water & Power to modify a contract with Timmons Group, Inc. for services for a GIS data model migration to the Utility Network Model; and to authorize the expenditure of $10,200.00 split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds. ($10,200.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director Columbus Water & Power to modify an existing contract with Timmons Group, Inc. for GIS data model migration services; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1516-2024 authorized the initial term of the contract; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0110-2025 authorized a contract modification to add additional funding; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 2897-2025 authorized a contract modification to extend the contract expiration date up to and including December 31st, 2028, and add additional funding; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code pertaining to contract modifications; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $10,200.00 from the Public Utilities Operating Fund, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of Columbus Water & Power, to authorize the Director of Columbus Water & Power to modify an existing agreement for GIS data model migration services with Timmons Group, Inc.; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Columbus Water & Power be and is hereby authorized to modify an existing contract with Timmons Group, Inc. for GIS data model migration services to increase funding by $10,200.00. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $10,200.00.
SECTION 2. That this contract modification No. 3 is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 3. 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 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 for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $10,200.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from Columbus Water & Power in object class 03 Services, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds, per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.