Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Finance and Management Director to establish one (1) Universal Term Contract with AT & T for Long Distance Communication Services without the use of the competitive bidding process. Universal Term Contracts establish firm, fixed requirements and pricing while providing a simpler method for City agencies to establish funds for these needs.
This ordinance also waives the competitive bidding process of the Columbus City Codes. Given the complexity of the service being provided and embedded nature of the items it is not practical to bid the service at this time. Changing technology and potential competition in the marketplace have prompted the Department of Technology and the Purchasing Office to begin identifying requirements and developing specifications for a competitive bid in the future. However at this time, AT & T is the only feasible provider of these services. The Purchasing Office and the Department of Technology have entered into negotiations with AT&T to determine scope and pricing. This determination was made after extensive consultation between the Department of Technology and the assigned Procurement Specialist of this commodity area.
Emergency action is requested to ensure uninterrupted telephony and communications for all City agencies.
AT & T CC#34-0436390 (Expires 2/13/14)
Total Estimated Annual Expenditure: $100,000.00
This company is not debarred according to the Federal Excluded Parties Listing or the State Auditor's Findings For Recovery Database.
This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency because, without emergency action, no less than 37 days will be added to this procurement cycle and the efficient delivery of valuable public services will be slowed.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding to establish this option contract is budgeted in the Mail, Print Services and UTC Fund. City agencies will be required to obtain approval to expend from their own appropriations for their estim...
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