Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Police Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) needs to renew software licenses (SMS Magnet Axiom and DVR examiner) and procure additional software/licenses (Magnet Atlas and Magnet Automate) to continue current day-to-day operations and increase efficiency and security in accessing, sharing, assigning and working on data for cases. The Division needs to enter into contract with Magnet Forensics to renew and purchase these software licenses. The Division needs to transfer funds within the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund from 02 to 03.
BID INFORMATION: The Division of Police requests to waive the competitive bid provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes to expeditiously purchase licenses due to its compatibility with other Magnet software currently used by the DFU and Division of Police.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal excluded parties listing or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved findings for recovery certified search.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is requested to prevent a lapse in service thereby delaying the process of processing evidence to help solve and prevent future crimes.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: Will be compliant by the reading of this ordinance
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding for the licenses/software has been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 1188-2023 passed on May 24, 2023. This expenditure is funded by Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund (2219).
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Magnet Forensics, to renew digital licenses and procure additional software licenses; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $131,621.05 from the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund, to transfers funds within the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($131,621.05)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Police needs to renew digital licenses and procure additional software licenses for use in the daily operation of extracting and processing digital evidence from electronics, and,
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to enter into contract with Magnet Forensics to renew and procure digital forensic licenses software to extract and process digital evidence from electronic devices; and,
WHEREAS, the funding for the license renewal and purchase have been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 1188-2023 passed on May 24, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, funds need to be transferred with in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund from 02 to 03;
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive competitive bidding for this purchase; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to renew and purchase the digital forensic licenses software as soon as possible for extraction of crucial evidence, for the immediate 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 Public Safety be and is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Magnet Forensics for licenses software to extract and process digital evidence from electronic devices.
SECTION 2. That a transfer of $58,1000.00 from 02 to 03 within the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund is hereby authorized.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $131,621.05, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized in the Law Enforcement Contraband Seizure Fund in object class 03 per the accounting codes in the attachment of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes to permit the aforementioned purchase contract.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, the City Auditor shall establish such account codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. That for 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.