Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT), on behalf of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), to enter into a contract with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc. for the purchase of annual B2GNow software subscription, provisioning, and hosting of a citywide supplier diversity management system, as well as overall product maintenance, support, and professional services at a cost of $139,523.00.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion uses B2GNow software to help the City implement its supplier diversity management system, integrated with the City's financial and data management systems, and provide hosting services to support ongoing operations. The original contract, under ordinance 1779-2020, allowed for renewing annually for an additional five (5) one-year terms, up to January 31, 2026.
B2GNow software subscription, provisioning, and hosting of the citywide supplier diversity management system are provided by B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc., which has served as the City’s supplier for these systems since 2021. As the system is already established with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc., a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements outlined in Columbus City Code Section 329 is requested to allow the City to continue to use the services with B2GNow/Ask Reply, Inc. This new agreement provides four (4) additional annual renewal options through January 31, 2031, which is subject to mutual agreement and approval by the appropriate City authorities.
This current ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $126,523.00 with contingency funding in the amount of $13,000.00 for unforeseen circumstances for a total of $139,523.00 for a period of twelve (12) months, starting on January 31, 2026, and ending on January 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for the above-described services are budgeted and available within the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor: B2GNow/A...
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