Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an extension and increase of an existing contract for the ongoing development and hosting of the E-File/E-Pay processing system of the Income Tax Division by First Data Government Solutions. This legislation will extend the contract period through August 1, 2011 and provide funding for hosting of the application and any change orders arising during that period.
Background:
The Division of Income Tax received repeated requests from taxpayers for the ability to file and pay City income tax on line. Due to the abandonment of the e-payment engine project by the Department of Technology, the Division determined it had sufficient need to further enhance the taxpayer services and proceeded independently and through the bid process it was determined that First Data (GovConnect) had the municipal government experience and product which would best serve the needs of the City and the taxpayers. Following the initial development and implementation of a basic e-file/e-pay application, the Division and First Data have engaged in ongoing upgrades to that application to better serve the taxpayers. First Data Government's contract compliance number 59-2957887 expires on 11/10/2011.
Fiscal Impact:
$170,000.00 was budgeted for the E-File/E-Pay processing system and funds are available within Department 22-02 General Fund 01-100, Character 03, Minor Object 3348, Index Code 220202.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to modify and increase the current contract with First Data Government Solutions to provide for ongoing hosting and development services for the Income Tax E-File/E-Pay processing system; to authorize and direct the City Auditor to authorize the expenditure of $170,000.00; and to declare an emergency.($170,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, a need exists in the daily operations of the Office of the Auditor, Income Tax Division that it is necessary to modify and increase the existing contract with First Data Government Solutions for the hosting and ongoing development of the E-File/E-Pay processing system to be paid through August I, 2011, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide for an amendment to the original agreement, as previously amended, to ensure uninterrupted and enhanced service to users, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Income Tax, Office of the Auditor in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the City Auditor to modify the contract with First Data Government Solutions by extending the term and increasing the contract amount by $170,000.00 to ensure continuous and enhanced E-File/E-Pay service 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 City Auditor be and is hereby authorized to modify the contract by extending the term and increasing the contract amount by $170,000.00 with First Data Government Solutions for the hosting and ongoing development of the e-File/E-Pay processing system.
Section 2. That the expenditure of $170,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized from Department 22-02, General Fund 01-100, Character 03, Minor Object 3348, Index Code 220202, to pay the cost thereof.
Section 3. 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 of ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.