Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, INC.) for the Division of Fire's HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service from March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027. This transportation alert system service is utilized by the Division of Fire to alert drivers in real-time of current public safety incidents along their routes that may preempt a traffic signal to transfer right-of-way to the direction of an approaching emergency vehicle. COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) currently funds this HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) service which is provided to and used by the Division of Fire. However, COTA’s contract with HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) is ending. The Division of Fire’s emergency vehicles come equipped with HAAS Alert, Inc’s. (HAAS, Inc.) devices that track data such as location which is pushed out to drivers in real-time via the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud service.
The Division of Fire’s Assistant Chief Baugh is a member of the executive committee for Vision Zero. Vision Zero advances the objective of prioritizing safety for all who walk, bike, or drive along Columbus streets by changing public policies, procedures, or our practices for how we deliver roadway projects of govern - ranging from how the city designs projects to integrating technology into our transportation system. The Columbus Division of Fire has implemented the HAAS system to improve safety for emergency responders and the public through enhanced technology. The HAAS alert Collision Prevention system for emergency responders allows first responders to send signals to smart devices and connected vehicles, alerting them of an emergency vehicle approaching. The HAAS system has alerted over 2 million devices and vehicles since 2021 and nearly 600,000 devices and vehicles in 2025. HAAS also alerts responder-to-responder (R2R), preventing fire apparatus crashes. Since 2020, over 600 R2R notifications have been sent. The HAAS system is part of CFD’s commitment to utilizing new and emerging technology to improve services. HAAS aligns with the mayors strategic goals of increasing Safety practices and enhancing Operations through enhanced data-driven work.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.), Fed Tax ID: #38-3969236,
Vendor # 049826
Bid Waiver Justification: The Division of Fire has successfully implemented this invaluable service with HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) and does not seek an alternative solution at this time. The HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service is an indispensable agent utilized by the Division of Fire to alert drivers in real-time of current public safety incidents along their routes that may preempt a traffic signal to transfer right-of-way to the direction of an approaching emergency vehicle to increase the safety of citizens and Division of Fire personnel.
Emergency Designation: The Division of Fire is requesting this legislation be declared an emergency measure to make funding available and expedite authorization of this contract to prevent an interruption in this service.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $31,742.00 from the General Fund. The Division of Fire had no expenses for this service in 2025, 2024, or 2023 as funding was provided by COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority).
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) for HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service for the Division of Fire; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $31,742.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($31,742.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Fire has a need for HAAS Alert, Inc’s (HAAS, Inc.) HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the expenditure necessary to establish a contract with HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) for the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code Chapter 329; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize funding for the Director of Public Safety on behalf of the Division of Fire to enter into a contract with HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) to prevent disruption of the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, welfare, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Safety be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with and issue a purchase order to HAAS Alert, Inc. (HAAS, Inc.) for HAAS Alert Safety Cloud subscription service.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $31,742.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary for the aforementioned service, be and is hereby authorized from the General Fund, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it to be in the best interests of the City to waive the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to Competitive bidding for this purchase, and does hereby waive the same.
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 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.