Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into contract with Technology Site Planners, Inc. (TechSite) to provide data center alarm monitoring and first responder services.
The original contract was established by the Department of Technology (DoT), through the utilization of a Request for Qualification process (RFQ023241), that received one (1) response from Technology Site Planners (TechSite) for alarm monitoring and first responder services to the City's data centers critical infrastructure. This agreement was most recently authorized by and through the authority of City of Columbus purchase order PO512945.
This ordinance authorizes a waiver of competitive bidding, in accordance with relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. Given the established relationship with this contractor, and the expense to the City for these services, which are critical for monitoring the city’s data center infrastructure, including uninterrupted power supply systems, heating, cooling and ventilation units, automatic transfer switch and power distribution units, generators, etc., it is in the City’s best interest to utilize bid waiver legislation for this ordinance. Failure in any electrical and/or mechanical component can adversely affect the city’s IT applications and services provided by the Department of Technology. The alarm monitoring and first responder services supplements existing 24x7 operations staff and helps to eliminate the incidence of equipment failure.
The term of this contract will be for a period of twelve (12) months starting on September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, at a total cost of $54,770.00.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: Technology Site Plan
DAX vendor no.: 005995
Expiration Date: 3/28/2027
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds to cover the cost of this service are budgeted and available in the Department of Technology, 2026 Information Services Operating Fund budget.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Technology Site Planners, Inc. (TechSite) to provide data center alarm monitoring and first responder services; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $54,770.00 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund. ($54,770.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the original contract was established by the Department of Technology (DoT), through the utilization of a Request for Qualification process, that received one (1) response to RFQ023241 from Technology Site Planners (TechSite) for alarm monitoring and first responder services to the City's data centers critical infrastructure and was most recently authorized through the authority of City of Columbus purchase order PO461110; and
WHEREAS, the original contract was established via PO355428; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology has a need for data center alarm monitoring and first responder services; and
WHEREAS, the above-described will be for a period of twelve (12) months starting on September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, at a total cost of $54,770.00; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the relevant provisions of Columbus City Codes relating to competitive bidding is hereby authorized; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology to authorize the Director to enter into a contract with Technology Site Planners to provide data center alarm monitoring and first responder services to facilitate prompt contract execution and related payment for services, 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. That the Director of the Department of Technology be and is hereby authorized to enter into an existing contract with Technology Site Planners (TechSite) to provide data center alarm monitoring and first responder services for the coverage term period of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, at a cost of $54,770.00.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $54,770.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (See attachment: 0867-2026EXP)
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 into this contract.
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.