Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Fire was awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase a Remotec F6b Robot from the Northrop Grumman, Remotec, Inc. This robot is used for remotely inspecting and manipulating possible explosive devices from a safe distance. The Remotec F6b Robot is similar to the Division of Fire's Bomb Squad's existing, outdated robot. The purchase of the Remotec robot will allow the Bomb Squad to have interchangeable parts which saves funds. It is required to have robots in order to be categorized as a Bomb Squad, and allows the Bomb Squad to remain as a Type 1 Squad with regional response areas of thirty-six (36) counties in Ohio. The total cost of this equipment will be $222,729.00, the payment of which will be issued by Franklin County, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security and Ohio Emergency Management Agency. The City of Columbus and Franklin County entered into an intergovernmental Agreement via Ordinance 2757-2014 to enable this type of purchase.
This legislation will authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of this equipment.
Bid Information: The Division of Fire was approved for a State Homeland Security Grant to purchase Andros robotics system equipment for the Bomb Squad. The grant requirements are such that purchasing this equipment pursuant to the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to Formal Competitive Bidding is not possible due to the specialized nature of this equipment.
This specialized and proprietary equipment is unique and offered only by the aforementioned vendor. All equipment, parts and labor that is funded through U.S. Homeland Security grants must be approved by the United States Homeland Security Office of Domestic Preparedness to be eligible for funding. There is no other approved Andros robotics system equipment that meets Fire's Bomb Squad equipment requirement at this time. This equipment is specific for Bomb Squads, and is limited due to the sensitive nature and the small number of bomb squads in the United States.
This Company is not debarred according to the Excluded Parties listing of the Federal Government and is not listed in the Auditor of State database for Findings for Recovery.
Contract Compliance: Northrop Grumman, Remotec, Inc. -- #62-1090777 (expires 12/12/16)
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be declared an emergency measure so that legislative approval can occur prior to expiration of the grant
period (December 2015).
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to enter execute those documents necessary to procure equipment in the amount of $222,729.00 for the Division of Fire Bomb Squad using State Homeland Security grant funds currently held by Franklin County. There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary to enter into contracts for the acquisition of the Andros line of hazardous duty robotic system equipment for the Division of Fire Bomb Squad, in accordance with sole source procurement with Northrop Grumman, Remotec, Inc. (Remotec/Northrop Grumman) utilizing State Homeland Security Grant funds; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00) (REPEALED BY ORD. 1428-2015 PASSED 07/13/2015)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Fire needs to acquire the Andros robotics system equipment for the Bomb Squad; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Fire has been awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase said equipment; and
WHEREAS, this acquisition is being made in accordance with Sole Source Provisions; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Division of Fire, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of said equipment prior to the expiration of the grant period, 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 Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute those documents necessary to enter into a contract with Northrop Grumman, Remotec, Inc. for the acquisition of Andros robots equipment for the Columbus Fire Bomb Squad.
SECTION 2. There is no City related expenditure associated with this ordinance; grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security are being administered via Franklin County in the amount of $222,729.00.
SECTION 3. That this acquisition is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to Sole Source procurement.
SECTION 4. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared 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.