Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of Columbus Water & Power (CWP), to enter contract with RSM US LLP for the purchase of professional services for a total cost of $588,920.00.
CWP is enhancing its foundational operational protocols and resilience strategies to implement recommendations from previous strategic assessments. RSM US LLP will deliver tailored, specialized professional services to implement these processes across the Divisions of Power, Water, and Water Reclamation.
This ordinance waives the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 in accordance with Section 329.15, as the City’s best interest is served by bypassing the standard formal bid process to immediately address critical, time-sensitive needs. Utilizing RSM US LLP ensures continuity of the standardized procedural documentation to align divisional activities, maintain long-term consistency, and enhance overall readiness without the interruption or significant delays inherent in a new formal solicitation.
This agreement shall have a term of 12 months, commencing upon the City Auditor’s issuance of a confirmed purchase order.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: RSM US LLP
Vendor Acct. #: 007930
Expiration Date: 7/21/2027
FISCAL IMPACT
The funds for this expenditure have been identified and are available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund for a total cost of $588,920.00.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow for the standardized procedural documentation to align divisional activities, maintain long-term consistency, and enhance overall readiness for CWP.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of Columbus Water & Power, to enter a contract with RSM US LLP for the purchase of professional services; to authorize an expenditure from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating fund; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes; and to declare an emergency. ($588,920.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus Water & Power requires standardized procedural documentation to align divisional activities, maintain long-term consistency, and enhance overall readiness; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code Chapter 329 to allow for the immediate purchase of professional services from RSM US LLP to ensure uninterrupted infrastructure services; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of Columbus Water & Power to enter contract with RSM US LLP for the purchase of professional services at a cost of $588,920.00; and
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall have a term of 12 months, commencing upon the City Auditor’s issuance of a confirmed purchase order. This agreement is not subject to automatic renewal; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with RSM US LLP for professional services, on behalf of CWP, for standardized procedural documentation to align divisional activities, maintain long-term consistency, and enhance overall readiness, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of CWP, to enter contract with RSM US LLP for the purchase of professional services at a cost of $588,920.00 for a 12-month term, commencing upon the City Auditor’s issuance of a confirmed purchase order.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $588,920.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (Please see 1469-2026EXP)
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code to enter this contract and does hereby waive the same.
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 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, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.