Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Support Services, to enter into a contract with Medical Priority Consultants Inc. DBA Priority Dispatch for a maintenance and support agreement for the ProQa software application for license renewal, service, and support for existing licenses and service.
ProQa is based on the Medical Priority Dispatch System and provides a standardized format for carrying out the practice of priority dispatching. It is an automated system which operates by evaluating incoming information according to logical rules built on expert medical knowledge. The Emergency Medical Dispatcher then uses the information provided to send the appropriate response configuration. ProQa allows the City's Emergency Medical Dispatchers to carry out the following four important activities: structured and rapid caller interrogation and patient evaluation; accurate selection of the appropriate EMS unit response; relay of important patient and scene information to field responders; and the provision of essential Dispatch Life Support. ProQa is currently used in the main dispatch center for all EMS and Fire incidents. Medical Priority Consultants is the sole source supplier of this software and maintenance.
Bid Information: This service contract is executed in accordance with the sole source provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code; Priority Dispatch is the proprietary software licensing and maintenance contractor for the City's current ProQa system and is linked with the CAD and phone systems.
Emergency Designation: Emergency designation is requested to ensure that the City's main and back-up dispatching systems are properly maintained and do not have an interruption in services.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $66,867.00 from the Division of Support Services' general fund budget for the support and maintenance of existi...
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