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 needs increased cellular connection for response vehicles in some parts of the City in order to minimize any potential data disruptions for the computer aided dispatch system's mobile computers. Testing performed by the City of Columbus showed that in these circumstances, Verizon's network performance is better than the current provider; therefore, the Public Safety Department is requesting authorization to contract with them instead of Sprint for data communications.
Bid Information: A State of Ohio Term Contract exists for this purchase.
Contract Compliance: Verizon Wireless #223372889
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be considered an emergency measure to allow for the immediate use of said contract, and immediate purchase of Verizon cellular services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding exists in the Division of Fire's General Fund Budget for these services. The Division of Fire has encumbered/spent $133,150 in 2013, $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 Verizon Wireless, to authoriz...
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