Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Police Crime Lab has scientific instruments that require software support and troubleshooting authorized by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has named NicheVision Forensic LLC as the exclusive US distributor for the STRmix expert DNA analysis system. This equipment in use in the DNA section is for data interpretation and statistical analysis of DNA profiles. The Division of Police has a need for coverage to continue support for software updates and troubleshooting when necessary on the ten (10) instruments. Continued support from NicheVision Forensic LLC is needed to maintain the software in order to adequately protect the City's investment.
BID INFORMATION: NicheVision Forensic LLC is the sole distributor of the STRmix software in the United States. Therefore, the Division of Police is requesting a Sole Source purchase so that they may purchase the specified items
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.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE NO: CC002095 with expiration date of February 22, 2025
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is requested so the Crime Lab can continue to maintain the STRMix expert DNA analysis in operational performance without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $52,520.00 from the Division of Police's General Fund operating budget with NicheVision Forensic LLC for continued support for software updates and troubleshooting contract for Crime Lab equipment. In 2023 the Division spent/encumbered $12,500.00 for three (3) instruments and in 2022 the Division spent/encumbered $11,550.00.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract for software support services for Crime Lab instruments with NicheVision Forensic LLC; in accordance with sole source provisions of City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $52,520.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($52,520.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Police has a need for the Director of Public Safety to enter into contract with NicheVision Forensic LLC for software support and troubleshooting and to adequately protect the City's investment; and,
WHEREAS, NicheVision Forensic LLC is the sole distributor of the STRmix software. There is no other source for these licenses in the United States than to purchase directly from NicheVision Forensic LLC; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Police has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to enter into said agreement in accordance with sole source provisions of Section 329 of the City Code to allow NicheVision Forensic LLC to provide software support and troubleshooting of the Crime Lab STRmix instruments; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Public Safety Director to enter into a contract for software support with NicheVision Forensic LLC so that support and troubleshooting may continue and to maintain the DNA instruments that provide DNA analysis operational, 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 Public Safety be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for software support services for Crime Lab instruments with NicheVision Forensic LLC.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $52,520.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 General Fund in object class 03 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the City Council finds it is in the City’s best interest in accordance with sole source provisions of Section 329 of the Columbus City Code to allow the aforementioned contract with NicheVision Forensic LLC.
SECTION 4. 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 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 and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared 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.