Explanation
1. BACKGROUND: This Ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of the Office of Construction Management, to enter into a professional architectural / engineering services agreement, with BBCO Design LLC, for the Department of Technology’s 2026 Data Center West Facility Upgrades project, in an amount up to $282,791.00.
The scope of the work includes design, engineering, and construction contract administration services for interior renovations to the Data Center West facility. Renovations will be made to the breakroom, offices, vestibule, and other interior areas.
2. BID INFORMATION: The selection of the firm providing the professional architectural / engineering services has been performed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Columbus City Code, Section 329, "Awarding professional service contracts through requests for proposals (RFP)." The project was let by the Office of Construction Management via Vendor Services and Bonfire on March 30, 2026.
The Department received five (5) proposals from the 563 vendors solicited:
BBCO Design LLC
Schooley Caldwell Associates
DesignLevel LLC
Legat Architects
Star Consultants
An evaluation committee reviewed and scored the proposals based on the criteria included Columbus City Code, Section 329. The Department of Finance and Management recommends an award be made to BBCO Design LLC.
3. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFO: BBCO Design LLC, DAX No. 19748, expires 11/19/27, WBE & SRBE -designated.
Searches in the Excluded Party List System (Federal) and the Findings for Recovery list (State) produced no findings against BBCO Design LLC.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: It is requested that this Ordinance be handled in an emergency manner in order to proceed as soon as possible and complete the necessary improvements within the current schedule and have sufficient facilities available for anticipated expansion needs. Further delay will create additional costs due increasing market demands for necessary Data Center equipment.
5. FISCAL IMPACT: There are sufficient funds within the Information Services Capital Projects Fund - Fund No. 5105, however an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget will be necessary for this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of the Office of Construction Management, to enter into a professional architectural / engineering services agreement with BBCO Design LLC, for the 2026 Data Center West Facility Upgrades project; to authorize an expenditure up to $282,791.00 within the Information Services Capital Projects Fund; to authorize an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget; and to declare an emergency. ($282,791.00)
Body
WHEREAS, five (5) technical proposals for the 2026 Data Center West Facility Upgrades project were received on March 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance and Management recommends the agreement be awarded to BBCO Design LLC; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize an expenditure of funds within the Information Services Capital Projects Fund; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget for the purpose of providing sufficient spending authority for the aforementioned project expenditure; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Finance and Management, Office of Construction Management, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a professional architectural / engineering services agreement with BBCO Design LLC, for the 2026 Data Center West Facility Upgrades project, in an emergency manner in order to proceed as soon as possible and complete the necessary improvements within the current schedule and have sufficient facilities available for anticipated expansion needs, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management is hereby authorized to enter into a professional architectural / engineering services agreement, on behalf of the Office of Construction Management, with BBCO Design LLC for the 2026 Data Center West Facility Upgrades project, in an amount up to $282,791.00.
SECTION 2. That an expenditure of $282,791.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the Information Services Capital Projects Fund - Fund No. 5105, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget is hereby amended, in the Information Services Capital Projects Fund - Fund No. 5105, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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 5. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer any unencumbered balance in the project account to the unallocated balance within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies no longer required for said project; except that no transfer shall be made from a project account by monies from more than one source.
SECTION 6. That the City Auditor is authorized to establish proper project accounting numbers as appropriate.
SECTION 7. 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 8. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is 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.