City of Columbus - File #: 1238-2007

• File #: 1238-2007
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Defeated
• File created: 7/13/2007
• In control: Public Service & Transportation Committee
• On agenda: 6/2/2008
• Title: To authorize the Public Service Director to enter into contract with SharpeSoft, Inc. for the purpose of providing a replacement construction project and payment management system for the Inspection Services Section of the Transportation Division; to waive competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $160,000.00 from the Streets and Highways Improvement Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($160,000.00)

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
6/2/2008	1	Columbus City Council	Taken from the Table	Pass
6/2/2008	1	Columbus City Council	Approved	Fail
12/10/2007	1	Columbus City Council	Tabled Indefinitely	Pass
12/3/2007	1	Auditor Reviewer	Reviewed and Approved
12/3/2007	1	CITY AUDITOR	Reviewed and Approved
12/3/2007	1	Service Reviewer	Sent to Clerk's Office for Council
11/30/2007	1	Finance Reviewer	Reviewed and Approved
11/30/2007	1	Finance Reviewer	Reviewed and Approved
11/30/2007	1	Finance - Purchasing Reviewer	Reviewed and Approved
11/30/2007	1	FINANCE DIRECTOR	Reviewed and Approved
11/30/2007	1	Service Reviewer	Sent for Approval
11/29/2007	1	SERVICE DIRECTOR	Reviewed and Approved
11/29/2007	1	CITY ATTORNEY	Reviewed and Approved
11/29/2007	1	Service Reviewer	Sent for Approval
11/29/2007	1	EBOCO Reviewer	Reviewed and Approved
11/29/2007	1	ODI DIRECTOR	Reviewed and Approved
11/29/2007	1	Service Reviewer	Sent for Approval
7/18/2007	1	Service Reviewer	Reviewed and Approved
7/16/2007	1	Service Drafter	Sent for Approval

Explanation

The Inspection Services Section, of the Public Service Department, Transportation Division, has utilized the same computer system to assist with its management of construction projects since the late 1980s. This construction project documentation and payment system has since become inefficient, unreliable, and the technology antiquated which means that it has become increasingly difficult to maintain or support.

The Inspection Services Section has been searching for a replacement system since 2001. The section solicited materials and demonstrations from potential software companies and other municipalities in an effort to identify a customer friendly and cost effective solution. This extensive search process identified four software companies that offer possible solutions. After further review of the software products, it was determined that the most reliable, all-encompassing and therefore cost-effective solution to the needs of the Transportation Division is the Integrated Project Management system by SharpeSoft, Inc. SharpeSoft's system can be integrated into Inspection Services' work processes with minimal customization whereas the systems supplied by the other companies have some limitations and would require the development of a custom application in order to meet the needs of the section.

The contract with SharpeSoft will be for the pilot phase of the new software. This pilot phase will see the utilization of the software on four construction projects over the next year including both Public Service and Public Utilities projects. Should this pilot phase prove successful, it is anticipated that the Transportation Division will work toward advancing the system to full-scale implementation at which time funding will be requested through legislation. It is estimated that another $150,000.00 will be needed for additional user licenses and annual fees. Following full-scale implementation, annual fees (to maintain licenses and for...