Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to modify the contract with HDS Companies LLC (HDS) in an amount up to $52,500.00 of federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) funds and to modify the scope of service for the transition of data from the Allita system to the City of Columbus.
Ordinance 3393-2022 authorized the Director of Development to enter into a contract with HDS in an amount of up to $239,228.00 of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide software to administer the federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program and to allow for payment of services. The City has a need to continue utilizing this software including renewing the system license, maintenance, technical support, professional services, software hosting, storage of data, reporting and training for the continued operation of the ERA program and entered into a new contract with HDS which was authorized by Ordinance 2708-2023 in an amount up to $596,110.00.
HDS’ software, Allita 360, is a fully web and end-to-end digital solution. This system supports intake and processing of applications for rent and utility assistance. The system supports separate portals for tenants, property managers/landlords, agencies, and community. The system is ADA compliant and supports multi-language applications. This software moves applications quickly through the process of approval and meets eligibility requirements. The system provides consistency among agency partners and flexibility to fund applications efficiently.
The City has a need to transfer the ERA2 application data from the Allita system to the City for retention purposes of the federal program. This modification has been planned as from the beginning the City was aware there would be additional cost and modification within the agreement to include the transfer services.
Emergency action is necessary in order to ensure the contract has been modified within t...
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