Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), to renew a contract with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc. for the annual hosting subscription, maintenance, and support of the B2GNow software at a cost of $132,849.15.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion uses B2GNow software to help the City implement its supplier diversity management system, integrated with the City's financial and data management systems, and provide hosting services to support ongoing operations. The new agreement, under ordinance 3049-2025 allowed for four (4) additional annual renewal options through January 31, 2031.
This ordinance authorizes the first renewal and the expenditure of $132,849.15 for a 12-month period, beginning January 31, 2027, and ending January 30, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for the above-described services are budgeted and available within the 2026 Department of Technology, direct charge agency, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor: B2GNow/AskReply, Inc
DAX Vendor Acct. #: 025106
Expiration Date: 7/16/2025
Vendor will have their certification completed before the Purchase Order is completed.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of the Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), to renew a contract for the annual hosting subscription, maintenance, and support of the B2GNow software; and to authorize the expenditure of $132,849.15 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund. ($132,849.15)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology has a need to renew a contract with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc. for the annual hosting subscription, maintenance, and support of the B2GNow software; and
WHEREAS, the city currently uses B2GNow software to help the City implement its supplier diversity management system, integrated with the City's financial and data management systems, and provide hosting services to support ongoing operations; and
WHEREAS, the new agreement established and authorized four (4) additional one-year terms. This ordinance authorizes the first of four annual renewals; and
WHEREAS, the above-described renewal will be for one year, starting on January 31, 2027, and ending January 30, 2028 at a cost of $132,849.15; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary in the usual daily operation of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to authorize the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of the Director of the Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), to renew a contract with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc. for the annual hosting subscription, maintenance, and support of the B2GNow software for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of the Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is hereby authorized to renew a contract with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc. for the annual hosting subscription, maintenance, and support of the B2GNow software at a cost of $132,849.15 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on January 31, 2027, through January 30, 2028. This agreement includes annual options to renew, subject to mutual agreement and approval of proper City authorities.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $132,849.15, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (See attachment: 2877-2026EXP)
SECTION 3. 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 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 this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.