Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance is for the option to purchase Cisco Equipment and Smartnet Maintenance for the Department of Technology. Cisco Equipment and Smartnet Maintenance provides the ability to purchase equipment and maintenance for various computer and connectivity projects (including VoIP) for all City agencies.
The term of the proposed option contract would be approximately three (3) years, with the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one-year periods if mutually agreed upon. The Contract is through June 30, 2016. The Purchasing Office opened formal bids on November 29, 2012.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with Section 329.06, Solicitation SA004671. Three-hundred Sixty three (363) bids were solicited (MBR: 8; F1: 4). Eight (8) bids were received.
The apparent low bid was rejected because the bidder only included three of the four references as required by the bid specifications. However it was determined that the low bidder possesses sufficient experience in providing the required equipment and services. The Department of Technology estimates their savings in awarding to the low bidder to be approximately $90,000 annually, over awarding to the next lowest bidder. Therefore, this ordinance requests a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Code, Section 329.06.
The Purchasing Office is recommending award of the contract to the lowest and best bidder:
Network Dynamics, Inc. CC#363941419 (Expires November 7, 2014); All Items, $1.00
Total Estimated Annual Expenditure: $1,500,000.00
This company is not debarred according to the Federal Excluded Parties Listing or the State Auditor's Findings For Recovery Database.
This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency because, without emergency action, no less than 37 days will be added to this procurement cycle and the efficient delivery of valuable public services will be slowed.
FISCAL IMPACT: Fundin...
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