Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, to enter into a 1-year contract for software and maintenance support for the Workforce Management System from Orion Communications, Inc.
Maintenance and support services.
The City of Columbus, Department of Public Safety has utilized Orion Communications Inc. for time and attendance services that tracks employee overtime, vacation requests, and is the Division's personnel information repository. Recently, the cost of these services has exceeded the $50,000 threshold.
The Workforce Management System is a proprietary system from Orion Communications, Inc. As such, the City must purchase annual support and maintenance from Orion Communications, Inc. This ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of the City of Columbus Code, Section 329.07.
Finally, this ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $67,682.00 for the above-described services for the period of one year from March 24, 2026, to March 23, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $67,682.00 is budgeted and available in the Department of Technology’s Information Services Division’s Operating Fund, Fund 5100.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: Orion Communications, Inc
Vendor Acct:# 010143
Expiration Date: 2/22/2026
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, to enter into a sole source contract with Orion Communications, Inc. for the Workforce Management System; to authorize the expenditure of $67,682.00 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund. ($67,682.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, has a need for the software and maintenance support of the Workforce Management System for time and attendance; and
WHEREAS, The Workforce Management System is a proprietary system from Orion Communications, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $67,682.00 for the purchase of the LIONS Time and Attendance System; and
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall be from March 24, 2026, to March 23, 2027; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is submitted in accordance with sole source provisions in the Columbus City Codes; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, to enter into a sole source contract with Orion Communications Inc. for the Workforce Management System, for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and 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, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Orion Communications Inc. for the Workforce Management System for the coverage term period from March 24, 2026, to March 23, 2027, at a cost of $67,682.00 in accordance with the sole source provisions of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 2. That the total expenditure of $67,682.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund, as follows in the attachment to this ordinance: (Please see attachment 3055-2025EXP)
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for any contract 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. This ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of the Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.