Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with Housing and Development Services, Inc. (HDS) in an amount 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 before the purchase order is approved by the city.
Ordinance 1201-2021 authorized the City of Columbus to accept and appropriate approximately $187,030,138.00 of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as signed into law by the President of the United States on March 11, 2021.
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 software has been in use since the city started distributing ERA funds, early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Up until now, HDS has had individual contracts with the city’s non-profit partners and each organization paid for a portion of the software. That type of contract management has proved to be challenging and threatened to hold up use of the system by all if an organization did not make payment. Moving the contract to the city, with the city funding it, provides security and continues the efficiency and ease of use already established for the remainder of the program. Program/grant closeout will occur in FY 2023 and records need to be maintained for five years after grant closeout.
Sole Source: The software is only available from HDS and it would...
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