Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Department of Technology to enter contract with Vertiv Corporation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) maintenance and repair services. The city originally entered contract for these services in 2006 via Ordinance 1160-2006. At that time, the company was known as Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services Inc. In 2017, the company formally changed its name to Vertiv Services, Inc., and in 2019 the company formally changed its name to Vertiv Corporation. All subsequent legislation has accurately reflected these name changes to ensure continuous contractual authority. The most recent ordinance for the above-described services was 0307-2025, passed on March 10, 2025.
As a result of various system and equipment issues at the city’s data center, the Department of Technology has selected one comprehensive vendor with the expertise to manage all equipment under one contract. Previously, there were five separate vendors/contractors performing routine maintenance and support services which were not cost effective or efficient, as many systems are interconnected. As such, this ordinance requests the waiver of the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
This ordinance also authorizes funding for the first year of the contract term at a total cost of $298,442.33, which includes contingency funding in the amount of $110,000.00 for unforeseen maintenance services, and replacement parts. The term of this contract will be for one year, beginning on April 19, 2026, and ending on April 18, 2027, with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms or portion thereof. The Department of Technology will plan for future costs of this contract within its budget and will seek Council approval for such funding, if required by City Code.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this ordinance are budgeted and available in the 2026 Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vertiv Corporation
Vendor #: 025728
Expiration Date: 2/19/2027
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter contract with Vertiv Corporation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and uninterrupted power supply maintenance and repair services with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms or portion thereof; to authorize the waiver of the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes; and to authorize the expenditure of $298,442.33. ($298,442.33)
Body
WHEREAS, there is a need for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and uninterrupted power supply maintenance and repair services at the city’s data centers; and
WHEREAS, given the critical need for reliable HVAC and UPS systems at the city's data centers, it is in the city's best interests to enter into one comprehensive contract with Vertiv Corporation and authorize the waiver of the competitive bidding provisions of Section 329 of Columbus City Codes; and
WHEREAS, the term of this contract will be for one year, beginning on April 19, 2026, and ending on April 18, 2027, at a total cost of $298,442.33, with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms or portion thereof; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter contract Vertiv Corporation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning and uninterrupted power supply maintenance and repair services at the city’s data centers for the preservation of the public health, peace, property and safety, NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Technology be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Vertiv Corporation, Inc. for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and uninterrupted power supply maintenance and repair services at the city’s data centers for a period of one year, beginning on April 19, 2026, and ending on April 18, 2027, at a total cost of $298,442.33, with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms or portion thereof.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $298,442.33, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (see 0313-2026EXP)
SECTION 3. That the Council of the City of Columbus finds it in the city’s best interest to waive the competitive bidding requirements of Section 329 of Columbus City Codes.
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 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