Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a professional service contract with Paul Werth Associates, Inc in an amount up to $65,690.87 to continue strategic communications work, communications outreach, constituent messaging, constituent outreach, media relations, media planning, and paid media services through December 31, 2026. This legislation also authorizes the reimbursement of expenditures prior to the issuance of the purchase order beginning January 1, 2026.
This legislation also repeals ordinance 2640-2025, which would have modified the original contract PO500962 to extend the contract term date through December 31, 2026. The authorized modification did not take place prior to the expiration of the contract, and therefore Ordinance 2640-2025 needs to be repealed and a new contract must be established to continue the work.
The original agreement PO500962 for strategic communications work was a result of a Request for Proposals (RFP) process in accordance with City procurement standards to solicit proposals. Proposals were submitted in response to RFQ029346 in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. Paul Werth Associates, Inc. received the highest overall score from the RFP committee.
Ordinance 2640-2025 later authorized a modification to extend the contract term through December 31, 2026. However, because the modification was not fully executed before the original contract expired, the Department must enter into a new contract to continue these services through December 31, 2026.
The Department of Development has a need to continue the contract to create a strategic communications partnership with Paul Werth Associates, Inc. through 2026, which will support strategic communications work, communications outreach, constituent messaging, constituent outreach, media relations, media planning, and paid media to ensure the messages shared w...
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