Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a service contract with R.H. Brown & Company, LLC in an amount up to $300,000.00 of federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) funds to provide support for those in need of emergency rehousing services and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Code. To authorize the contract term to be effective November 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025.
The City’s Emergency Rehousing Initiative assists tenants who have been involuntarily displaced and are struggling to find available rental housing and rehousing assistance. This initiative includes helping tenants identify rental housing that meets their needs based on the affordability of rent, family size, and location. R.H. Brown Company, LLC will work with and support those in need of emergency rehousing in evaluating choices and making informed decisions for their housing needs. This contract will further the City’s Emergency Rehousing Initiative in helping to achieve housing stability for those that are involuntarily displaced.
A proposal was solicited and received from R.H. Brown & Company LLC and ultimately reviewed by Department of Development staff with a recommendation to enter into a contract for services.
Bid Waiver Request: Under the authority of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.18, the Director of the Department of Development is requesting that City Council finds it in their best interest to waive the competitive bidding provision of City Code as an emergency exists and is an immediate need for services to assist those that have been involuntarily displaced to help them in finding housing and rehousing assistance.
Emergency action is necessary in order to help achieve housing stability for those that are facing or have already been involuntarily displaced and are in need of emergency rehousing services.
FISCAL IMPACT: $300,000.00 is available fr...
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