Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Oracle America, Inc. for licensing and cloud service fees for the Department’s Customer Information Systems (CIS) and Integrated Systems Replacement Project.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) plans to replace its current customer information systems platform, the Columbus Utility Billing System, also known as CUBS. This ordinance authorizes the licensing fees to utilize Oracle’s customer platform, while a request for proposals (RFP) will later be issued for the project’s implementation.
DPU implemented Oracle’s Customer Cloud Service (CCS) for meter data management in 2022 as part of the Department's Enhanced Metering Project (EMP). Numerous custom integrations were created to sync meter data between Oracle’s CCS and Hansen Banner. It is challenging to manage the lifecycle of meters with two separate systems. Since DPU is already using Oracle CCS for meter data management and analyzed the functionality of the Customer Information Systems (CIS) side of Oracle CCS, DPU would like to implement the entire Oracle CCS solution, including Oracle Reporting and Analytics tools. Merging these systems into one platform should reduce system complexity, increase data and billing accuracy and make it easier for us to support the system into the future. In addition, we expect similar benefits with the implementation of Oracle Field Service (OFS) for utilities, which is also developed by Oracle and built to integrate with Oracle CCS. OFS will replace our current Mobile Dispatching System, CGI’s PragmaCAD. Therefore, due to the benefits of merging the systems into one platform, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of competitive bidding and enter into a contract with Oracle America, Inc. for the customer platform licensing. The Bid Waiver Form is attached.
The licensing subscription will begin on April 1, 2024 and run through October 19, 2025 ...
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