Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into contract with Softchoice Corporation for the purchase of Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet for a total cost of $207,722.61.
The Department of Technology uses Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet, a critical component of the computing infrastructure of the city. SmartNet supports data transfer needs for imaging applications as well as other city applications such as e-mail, CUBS (utility billing), VoIP telephone service, WIFI access, and geographic information systems.
The Department of Technology, Fiscal Department, solicited Information for Bids for the Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support services contract. The project was formally advertised on Vendor Services from April 28, 2025, to June 4, 2025. The city received three (3) responses on June 4, 2025. The responding firms were:
Company Name Bid Amount City/State Majority/ODI Certification
|
Softchoice Corporation |
$207,722.61 |
Chicago, IL |
N/A |
|
SHI International Corp |
$216,133.49 |
Dallas, TX |
N/A |
|
Brown Enterprise Solutions |
$254,601.11 |
Dublin, OH |
MBE |
Award is to be made to Softchoice Corporation as the lowest responsive and responsible and best bidder for their bid of $207,722.61.
Searches in the Excluded Party List System (Federal) and the Findings for Recovery list (State) produced no findings against Softchoice Corporation.
The term of this agreement shall be from September 20, 2025, to September 19, 2026. This agreement is not subject to automatic renewal. However, upon mutual agreement, to include same pricing and terms and conditions as those set forth, the services may be continued for three (3) additional one-year terms.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funds for this expenditure have been identified and are available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund, for a total cost of $207,722.61.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: Softchoice Corporation
Vendor Acct. #: 022312
CC-022312; Expiration Date 7/15/2026
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Softchoice Corporation for the purchase of Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet; and to authorize the expenditure of $207,722.61 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating fund. ($207,722.61)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology has a need for Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology uses Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet, a critical component of the computing infrastructure of the city. SmartNet supports data transfer needs for imaging applications as well as other city applications such as e-mail, CUBS (utility billing), VoIP telephone service, WIFI access, and geographic information systems.; and
WHEREAS, DoT solicited bids via RFQ030282 for the purchase of the above-described software support, and award is to be made to Softchoice Corporation as the lowest, most responsive bidder; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into contract with Softchoice Corporation for the purchase of Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet at a cost of $207,722.61; and
WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall be from September 20, 2025, to September 19, 2026. This agreement is not subject to automatic renewal. However, upon mutual agreement, to include same pricing and terms and conditions as those set forth, the services may be continued for three (3) additional one-year terms; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Technology to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Softchoice Corporation for the purchase of Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet 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. To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into contract with Softchoice Corporation for the purchase of Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the citywide Metronet at a cost of $207,722.61, for a one (1) year term, from September 20, 2025, to September 19, 2026.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $207,722.61, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (Please see 1700-2025 EXP)
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.