Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes a contract for the hosting of the E-File/E-Pay processing system of the Income Tax Division by First Data Government Solutions. This legislation will be for the period of August 2, 2015 through August 1, 2016 and provide funding for the vendor currently hosting the application and providing for any change orders arising during that period.
The Division of Income Tax has provided, through First Data Government Solutions (FDGS), e-file and e-pay capabilities. FDGS developed and currently hosts the Division’s application. Following the initial development and implementation of the basic application, the Division and FDGS have engaged in the development of ongoing upgrades to better serve taxpayers. Competitive bidding requirements need to be waived in order to enter into this contract to continue services from FDGS. FDGS’s contract compliance number 59-2957887-001 expires on 10-24-2015.
Emergency action is being requested to allow the electronic financial transactions to be processed as soon as possible and allow for uninterrupted service. Electric tax filings promotes accurate accounting and financial management.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funds for this modification are included in the Division of Income Tax budget for 2015 in the amount of $120,000.00.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to enter into a contract with First Data Government Solutions to provide for ongoing hosting and development services for the Income Tax E-File/E-Pay processing system from August 2, 2015 through August 1, 2016; to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329; to authorize and direct the City Auditor to authorize the expenditure of $120,000.00; and to declare an emergency ($120,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, the City Auditor has entered into an initial contract providing for multiple renewals pursuant to Council authorization with First Data Government Solutions, and such additional renewals periods have been exhausted; and
WHEREAS, a need exists in the daily operations of the Office of the Auditor, Income Tax Division that it is necessary to contract with First Data Government Solutions for the continued hosting and ongoing development of the E-File/E-Pay processing system to be paid through August 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code Chapter 329 in order to enter into this contract so as to ensure uninterrupted and enhanced service to taxpayers and users; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Income Tax, Office of the Auditor in that it is necessary to authorize the City Auditor to enter into contract with First Data Government Solutions to ensure continuous and enhanced E-File/E-Pay service for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with First Data Government Solutions for the amount of $120,000.00 for the hosting and ongoing development of the e-File/E-Pay processing system through August 1, 2016.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329 to enter into this contract.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $120,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized from , General Fund 010, Auditor’s Office/Income Tax Division 22-02, OCA Code 220202, Object Level Three 3348, to pay the cost thereof.
SECTION 4. 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.