Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an Indefinite Quantity Agreement with Potomac Electrical Services LLC for Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $170,000.00.
The Department of Public Utilities aka Columbus Water & Power (CWP) will utilize this contract at its plants for planned inspections, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs to ensure the correct operation of all components and their interaction for the equipment life cycle.
Potomac Electrical Services LLC was awarded the Electrical Switchgear Inspection services under RFQ022101 initially and was awarded with an option to renew for one year and for each year of the contract, funding was contingent on availability within the budget, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of City Council, and certification of funds by the City Auditor. The contract renewal did not make it to council prior to the contract expiration date of 12/31/2025 and then there were discussions with the vendor to verify their willingness to continue performing the planned inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs of the equipment to ensure the correct operation of all components and their interaction for the equipment life cycle. Due to the ongoing efforts and collaboration with Potomac Electrical Services, LLC, the loss of time and additional fees associated with starting these processes over would not be in the best interest of the City. Additionally, Potomac Electrical Services, LLC also has experience, knowledge base of the Department’s needs, and have been able to keep this important equipment running for the plants.
The term of this contract is established from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, up to and including March 31st, 2027. This contract does not automatically renew. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
Principal Party:
Potomac Electrical Services LLC
1610 Professional Blvd. Suite A
Crofton, MD 21114
Mike Broom, (937) 260-3676
Contract Compliance Number: 038921
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: February 13, 2027
Fiscal Impact: $170,000.00 is available from within the Public Utilities Operating Funds to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
$361,336.86 was spent in 2025
$257,553.56 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an indefinite quantity agreement with Potomac Electrical Services LLC for Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services; to authorize the expenditure of $170,000.00 split between the Water and Sanitary Sewer Operating Funds; and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code. ($170,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an indefinite quantity agreement with Potomac Electrical Services LLC for Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to enter into an indefinite quantity agreement from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, up to and including, March 31st, 2027; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $170,000.00 from the Public Utilities Operating Funds, split among the Water and Sanitary Sewer Operating Funds; and
WHEREAS, due to the expected costs and project delays associated with restarting the Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services bidding process, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of competitive bidding in Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes and enter into a contract with Potomac Electrical Services LLC for Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an indefinite quantity agreement for Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services with Potomac Electrical Services LLC; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is authorized to enter into an indefinite quantity agreement with Potomac Electrical Services LLC for Electrical Transformer and Switchgear Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Services. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $170,000.00.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes for the contract with Potomac Electrical Services LLC and does hereby waive the same.
SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 5. That the expenditure of $170,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from object class 03, Services, split among the Water and Sanitary Sewer Operating Funds, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.