Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of wireless data communication services for the Fire Division from an existing State of Ohio Term Contract with Verizon Wireless. The Fire Division has a need to purchase wireless communications devices and services for use in EMS response data collection and transmission. This purchase between the City of Columbus and State of Ohio is authorized by Ordinance 582-87 that allows for the cooperative purchasing between the State of Ohio Department of Administrative Services Cooperative Contracts and other governmental entities. The Division of Fire was reporting that the cellular connection was dropping on many of the vehicles in many parts of the City causing disruptions in the computer aided dispatch system's mobile computers. Critical information was not getting to the Fire apparatus in a timely matter. The Division conducted an in-depth comparison between Verizon and the UTC vendor, using identical equipment and software and based on the results determined Verizon's performance was considerably better, both in quarters and while travelling on the road.
Bid Information: A State of Ohio Term Contract exists for this purchase.
Contract Compliance: Verizon Wireless #223372889 ~ exp. 5/2/13
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be considered an emergency measure to allow for the immediate use of said contract, and immediate purchase of these services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding exists in the Division of Fire's General Fund Budget for these services; the Division of Fire has encumbered/spent $102,709 in 2012 and $134,233 in 2011 for cellular services.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to issue a purchase order for wireless data communication services for the Division of Fire from an existing Cooperative State of Ohio Term Contract established for such purpose by the State of Ohio Department of Administrative Services Purchasing Office with Veriz...
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