Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Police Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) needs to renew the GrayKey License and ArtifactIQ Pro User Licenses. The Public Safety Department requests to enter into contract with GrayShift LLC to renew these software licenses, which allow detectives to gather evidence by having the ability to unlock and decrypt electronic devices and extract evidence to solve crimes. There is also a need to appropriate $15,312.00 in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund to cover the entire cost of the licenses.
BID INFORMATION: The Division of Police requests to waive the competitive bid provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes to expeditiously purchase licenses due to its compatibility with other GrayKey software and hardware currently owned and used by the Digital Forensic Unit.
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. This company will be in good standing with the State of Ohio or prove exemption prior to the contract being executed.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is requested to prevent a lapse in service thereby delaying the process of extracting evidence to help solve and prevent future crimes.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: CC-025779 Expires 6/20/2025
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding for the license and unit has already been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 1188-2023 passed on May 24, 2023. This expenditure is funded by Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund (2219).
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with GrayShift LLC. to renew digital software licenses to extract digital evidence from electronic devices; to waive competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to appropriate $15,312.00 in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund, to authorize the expenditure of $85,311.65 from the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($85,311.65)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Police needs to renew digital software licenses to use in the daily operation of extracting digital evidence from electronics, and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to enter into contract with GrayShift LLC to renew digital forensic licenses to extract digital evidence from electronic devices; and
WHEREAS, the funding for the license and unit have been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 1188-2023 passed on May 24, 2023; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive competitive bidding for this purchase; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to appropriate $15,312.00 in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation in the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to purchase the digital forensic licenses as soon as possible to prevent a lapse in service and delaying the extraction of crucial evidence all 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 be and is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with GrayShift LLC for licenses to extract digital evidence from electronic devices.
SECTION 2. That the appropriation of $15,312.00 is hereby authorized in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund, according to the accounting codes in the attachment of this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $85,311.65, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund in object class 03 per the accounting codes in the attachment of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes to permit the aforementioned purchase contract.
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 account codes as necessary.
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.