Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes expenditures of $300,000.00 from the Auditor Bond fund for technical and development work to the Azure and Power platform, and expanded licensing, processing, and storage costs for related Microsoft products. It authorizes $54,000.00 from the General fund for ongoing maintenance, support, and operational needs for the Auditor’s Office Transparency Portal. The current contract modification was last authorized by ordinance 1506-2025 and expires June 30, 2026.
Ordinance No. 1352-2022, passed by Columbus City Council on May 23, 2022, authorized the contract with OnActuate for professional, technical, and consulting services for Azure and Power platform development. The contract contains the option to renew annually, subject to approval and appropriation of Columbus City Council. Costs were established and defined for the ongoing maintenance and support of the Transparency Portal as well as expanding and enhancing the use of Azure and power platforms. It also allowed the purchase of licenses from existing Microsoft Enterprise Agreements through Dell.
This legislation authorizes the City Auditor to modify its contract with OnActuate Consulting for professional services in the amount of $279,000.00 and modify existing contracts with Microsoft Corporation and Dell Marketing LP to expand its Azure and Power platform licensing, storage, and related services to accommodate expanded functionality in the amount of $75,000.00.
The services under the initial contract created the Auditor’s Transparency portal. Common public records requests for expenses, revenue, payment information, and other city financial information can be viewed and downloaded directly from the site. There is a need to keep the site technologically current with software updates and to maintain functionality through a maintenance and support services agreement with OnActuate.
Additionally, the City Auditor’ Office desires to leverage the Azure and Power p...
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