Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into a contract with CDW Government LLC, for the renewal of the cybersecurity monitoring tool for a total cost of $775,345.17 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on October 31, 2026, and ending on October 30, 2027. - Applicable procurement information is treated as non-public in accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 9.64.
Following the July 2024 cybersecurity incident, the Department of Technology entered into contract with CDW Government LLC for the purchase of cybersecurity monitoring tool using the State Term Schedule contract 534605 with pricing for two additional optional annual renewals. The original purchase of this software was under the authority of the Mayor’s Emergency Letter dated July 30, 2024, and contained the option of two additional software renewals. Ordinance 1566-2025 authorized the first annual renewal for October 31, 2025, to October 30, 2026. This ordinance authorizes the second (2) renewal at a total cost of $775,345.17 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on October 31, 2026, and ending on October 30, 2027. A waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Section 329 is requested to enter the third year of the original pricing with CDW Government.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency designation is being requested for these services that are necessary to support daily operation activities, to ensure no service interruption, and to establish a purchase order before the contract expiration date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funds for this expenditure have been identified and are available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Vendor name: CDW Government LLC
EBO_CC- 007352
Expires: 4/10/2028
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into contract with CDW Government LLC for the renewal of the cybersecurity monitoring software; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $775,345.17 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($775,345.17)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology utilizes cybersecurity monitoring software, services, and subscriptions to provide the primary protection for the city’s computers against malicious software such as computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware; and
WHEREAS, following the July 2024 cybersecurity incident under the authority of the Mayor’s Emergency Letter authorized by ordinance 2579-2024, the Director of the Department of Technology entered into contract with CDW Government LLC for the purchase of cybersecurity monitoring software using the State Term Schedule contract 534605 with State contracted pricing available for two optional additional years; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1566-2025 authorized the first annual renewal for October 31, 2025, through October 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the second annual renewal with CDW Government, LLC at a cost of $775,345.17 for the period of October 31, 2026, and ending on October 30, 2027; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Section 329 is requested to continue the existing cybersecurity solution under the established renewal arrangement and pricing with CDW Government LLC; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Technology to enter into contract renewal with CDW Government, LLC for a term of one year as the current contract expires October 30, 2026, to avoid interruption of existing cybersecurity monitoring software, 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 the Department of Technology is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with CDW Government, LLC for the renewal of existing cybersecurity monitoring software, for a period of twelve (12) months, beginning on October 31, 2026, and ending on October 30, 2027, at a cost of $775,345.17.
SECTION 2. That the applicable competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 are hereby waived for the contract renewal authorized in SECTION 1, to continue the existing cybersecurity solution under the established renewal arrangement with CDW Government LLC.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $775,345.17, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (Please see 2676-2026EXP)
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 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 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be 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.