Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Utility Truck Equipment, Inc. for the purchase of two (2) 60 foot Bucket Trucks for the Division of Power. The Bucket Trucks will be used to maintain the City’s electrical distribution system and other related infrastructure. This purchase has been approved by the Division of Fleet Management and will replace BT23552 and BT23954.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to competitive bidding (RFQ027972). Thirty-two (32) vendors (2 EBE, 2 MBE, 28 MAJ) were solicited and one (1) majority bid was received and opened on July 5, 2024.
After a review of the bid, the Division of Power determined that the vendor submitted the following exceptions:
1. 3.3.2.1.15 Insulating gap to be 82 inches retracted and 172 inches (submitted 51 inches retracted and 91 inches extended).
2. 3.3.1.7.1 Resistance to bending movement (submitted 120 KSI Steel Frame)
3. 3.3.2.1.18 Lower boom articulation of 90 degrees (submitted 0-88 degrees)
4. 3.3 Bidders shall submit a copy of dealers build sheets with bid (the vendor failed to submit)
The Division of Power determined these exceptions are minimal for operations and due to long build times there would be no advantage to rebid. Therefore, the Division of Power requests to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code to procure this equipment from the only bidder, Utility Truck Equipment, Inc.
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
SUPPLIER: Utility Truck Equipment, Inc., vendor #004562, expires 5/11/25, majority vendor
FISCAL IMPACT: $782,510.00 is budgeted and available for this purchase
$673,980.00 was expended in 2023
$271,022.00 was expended in 2022
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to establish a contract with Utility Truck Equipment, Inc. for the purchase of two (2) 60 foot Bucket Trucks for the Division of Power; to authorize the waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $782,510.00 from the Division of Electricity Operating Fund; ($782,510.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The Bucket Trucks will be used to maintain the City’s electrical distribution system and other related infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office opened formal bids on July 5, 2024 for the purchase of two (2) 60 foot Bucket Trucks for the Division of Power; and
WHEREAS, the bidder submitted exceptions to the bid specifications; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Power determined that the exceptions are minimal to operations and due to long lead times, there would be no advantage to rebid;
WHEREAS, it is necessary for Council to authorize a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Codes to procure this equipment; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Power recommends an award be made to the only bidder Utility Truck Equipment, Inc. for all items; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $782,510.00 or so much thereof as is needed for the purchase from and within the Electricity Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Utility Truck Equipment, Inc. in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number RFQ027972 on file in the Purchasing Office; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to establish a contract with Utility Truck Equipment, Inc. for the purchase of two 60 foot bucket trucks in accordance with RFQ027972 specifications on file in the Purchasing Office.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $782,510.00, or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6300 (Electricity Operating Fund); in Object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes Chapter 329 to enter into the contract.
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 authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.