Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Big Belly Solar for the purchase of solar compactor units under Section 329.07(e) of the Columbus City Code (sole source procurement). The contract amount is for $39,054.00.
The City of Columbus seeks ways to be an environmentally friendly and green community as part of Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s Get Green Columbus initiative. The Mayor’s Office of Environmental Stewardship and the Department of Public Service’s Division of Refuse Collection worked in partnership with the Short North Alliance to seek a way of reducing litter and trash can overflows in the Short North area, while also encouraging recycling and reducing the trips required for servicing trash and recycling receptacles. The solar compactors are a double-unit, with one side for trash and one side for recyclables. Solar power is used to compact the trash and recyclables, increasing storage capacity and reducing trips needed to collect the trash and recyclables. Solar power is also used to communicate with the service provider when the compactor is approaching full. This allows a collection vehicle to be dispatched when needed instead of on a regular schedule, providing an additional environmental benefit.
This equipment will be installed as part of a pilot program to test the effectiveness of the units. The purchase includes all equipment, software, and licensing needed to make seven double-units operational for five years. All of the units will be installed in the Short North area.
Big Belly Solar claims to be the only manufacturer of this type of equipment. A search was conducted and a substitute product from another company was not located. Pricing was negotiated with Big Belly Solar and quantity discounts were applied. We are requesting to make the purchase under the sole source procurement provision of the Columbus City Code, Section 329.07(e).
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