Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities, Division of Water to enter into a service contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc. for the purchase and installation hydrant.AI software and related items in an amount of up to $56,750.00.
If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be required.
SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT
Water Distribution Engineering is seeking a cost-effective and cost-competitive technology for leak detection in the water network (mains and service lines). This pilot will help to validate the effectiveness of the hydrant.AI Device and Platform to identify and isolate leaks in the water distribution system. Digital Water Solutions Inc. maintains licensing and programming. Therefore, due to the proprietary nature of the hydrant.AI software and equipment, it is in the best interest of the City to enter into contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc. in accordance with the sole source procurement provisions of Columbus City Code. No efforts were undertaken to obtain other bidders or offerors because Digital Water Solutions Inc. is the only provider in the Central Ohio area. We received quotes for the materials and services that will be provided.
VENDOR / CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Digital Water Solutions Inc., CC #050566, pending
The certification of Digital Water Solutions Inc. is in good standing at the time of this ordinance. This company is not debarred according to the Excluded Parties listing of the Federal Government and are not listed in the Auditor of States database for Findings for Recovery.
FISCAL IMPACT: $56,750.00 is budgeted and available within the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water 2024 Operating Fund Budget.
$0.00 was expended in 2023
$0.00 was expended in 2022
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to establish a contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc. for the purchase and installation of hydrant.AI software and related items under the City’s sole source procurement provision City Codes 329.19(e) for the Division of Water; to authorize the expenditure of up to $56,750.00 from the Water Operating Fund. ($56,750.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to enter into a contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc. to allow for a single vendor to provide the necessary software and equipment; and
WHEREAS, Digital Water Solutions Inc. currently is the sole provider of installation, integration, service and support for the hydrant.AI software; and
WHEREAS, due to the proprietary nature of the hydrant.AI software and related items, it is necessary to enter into this contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc. in accordance with the sole source provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc.; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Digital Water Solutions Inc. for the purchase hydrant.AI software and related items pursuant to the sole source provisions of City Code, as it is the sole provider of hydrant.AI software.
SECTION 2. That the award of the contract is in compliance with the sole source provisions of Section 329.19(e) of the Columbus City Code.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $56,750.00, or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000 (Water Operating); in Object Class 02 Materials & Supplies and Object Class 03 Services 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 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.