Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into contract with Touchstone IQ LLC for software licensing, maintenance services, and technical services in the amount of $55,740.00. This contract will be for one year, beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2027.
As the Energy Benchmarking Code, Chapter 4117, has matured, so have the technical needs of the program. Initially, BZS had a contract with Touchstone IQ for the use of the tool for benchmarking data and communications. The solution is custom built for public officials and allows staff and public officials to efficiently triage incoming communications, reply to those messages, and conduct communication and data analysis. The transparency map, a component of the Energy Benchmarking Code, was a supplemental contract with Touchstone IQ that provides the public with information about the physical features and operational characteristics of each covered property.
BZS continues to work with TouchstoneIQ and Columbia Gas to allow customers online access and direct auto-upload functionality of aggregate utility natural gas consumption. Once this function becomes available, a contract modification may be submitted.
Touchstone IQ LLC is the sole proprietor and manufacturer of Touchstone IQ software products. Thus, Touchstone IQ software licenses and support can only be provided by Touchstone IQ. As such, this ordinance is submitted in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of Columbus City Codes, Chapter 329.
This ordinance also authorizes the expenditure of $55,740.00 for the above-described purpose.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the Department of Building and Zoning Services’ Development Services Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor: Touchstone IQ LLC (D365 Vendor Account # 032992)
Contract compliance number: CC-032992; Exp. 12/12/2026
State of Ohio Number 5154184
The company is not disbarred according to the excluded party listing system of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved finding for recovery certified search.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into contract with Touchstone IQ LLC for software licensing, maintenance, and technical services in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of Columbus City Codes; and to authorize an expenditure from the Development Services Fund. ($55,740.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Building and Zoning Services uses Touchstone IQ software to effectively and proactively communicate with constituents for the Energy Benchmarking Code in CC Chapter 4117; and
WHEREAS, the transparency map, a component of the Energy Benchmarking Code, provides the public with information about the physical features of a covered property and its operational characteristics; and
WHEREAS, Columbus building owners need access to aggregate, whole-building, natural gas usage data for the purpose of complying with the City of Columbus Energy Benchmarking Code; and
WHEREAS, BZS continues to work with Touchstone IQ and Columbia Gas to allow customers online access and direct auto-upload functionality of aggregate utility natural gas consumption data. Once this function becomes available, a contract modification may be submitted; and
WHEREAS, because Touchstone IQ LLC is the sole proprietor and manufacturer of Touchstone IQ software products, and because software maintenance and support can only be provided by Touchstone IQ, this ordinance is submitted in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of Columbus City Codes, Chapter 329; and
WHEREAS, the contract will be for one year, starting on January 1, 2027 and ending on December 31, 2027, at a total cost of $55,740.00; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into contract with Touchstone IQ LLC for software licensing, maintenance, and technical services in accordance with the provisions of sole source procurement of Columbus City Codes, Chapter 329; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Touchstone IQ LLC for software licensing, maintenance, and technical services for one year, starting on January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2027, at a total cost of $55,740.00, in accordance with the sole source procurement provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. (see Ord 2865-2026 Sole Source Form)
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $55,740.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended from the Development Services Fund, as shown in the attachment to this ordinance. (see Ord 2865-2026 Legislation Attachment)
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 this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.