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 authorize the expenditure of $30,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($30,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Fire Division needs to purchase wireless data communications services; and
WHEREAS, a State of Ohio Term Contract established by the State of Ohio, Department of Administrative Services Purchasing Office exists for these purchases; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 582-87 authorized this cooperative purchasing effort between the State of Ohio and other governmental entities; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, in that it is necessary to purchase said services, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Finance and Management Director be and is hereby authorized and directed to issue purchase orders for the purchase of wireless data communication services for the Fire Division in accordance with the existing state of Ohio Term Contract established by the State of Ohio Purchasing Office with Verizon Wireless, the purchase from which is authorized by Ord. 582-87.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $30,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized from the General Fund; Division of Fire #3004, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3295, OCA 301481.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves or vetoes the same.