Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to establish blanket purchase orders for Wireless Communications Services from established State of Ohio Contracts for various agencies within the City of Columbus with Sprint Solutions Inc., Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA Inc., AT&T Mobility, and iSYS, LLC. These contracts were not bid but negotiated by the State of Ohio.
After market research and discussion with major user agencies, the Purchasing Office has determined it is not in the best interests of the City to procure one wireless communications contract for the City. The reasons for this are many. For example, the various wireless providers offer different strengths, making different providers a better fit for the needs of each division. It is also true that the wireless communications industry is in a state of constant change and innovation. Lastly, during the last City of Columbus procurement of wireless communications services, all but one of the offerors responded with their State of Ohio contract.
iSYS, LLC is a state contractor for telecom expense management. Allowing City agencies to access this state contract will give agencies the opportunity to contract with iSYS, LLC to assist in the evaluation of their wireless communications needs. iSYS specializes in reviewing agency usage and technical needs. In conjunction with their understanding of all available plans on state contracts, iSYS will help agencies make the proper operational and fiscal decisions in the wireless communications market.
Ordinance 0582-1987 authorizes City agencies to use State of Ohio Department of Administrative Services contracts when deemed cost effective. This ordinances asks that the Finance and Management Director be authorized to establish purchase orders of up to $100,000.00 without further Council approval for the listed contracts.
Bid Information: State of Ohio Term Contrac...
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