Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Fire was awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase a COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) wireless communications upgrade system for our current BOZ robot. BOZ Robotics is the Sole Source supplier for the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) robot currently in use by the Division of Fire's Bomb Squad. This upgrade will allow the Bomb Squad to have communications with the robot from a safe distance away in any suspected explosive incidents. The existing system currently in use does not have this ability due to interference with other radio frequencies. The BOZ robot equipment is used by all trained Hazardous device technicians and specialist with extensive training. The BOZ robot, in conjunction with the Division's other existing robot, allows the Bomb Squad to have two (2) Type 1 Bomb Squad response vehicles for the Ohio Homeland Security Regions 4, 7, and 8, consisting of thirty-six (36) counties in Ohio. The total cost of this project is $62,280.00, the payment of which will be issued by Franklin County, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security and Ohio Emergency Management Agency. The City of Columbus and Franklin County entered into an intergovernmental agreement via Ordinance 2757-2014 to enable this type of purchase.
This legislation will authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of this equipment.
Bid Information: The Division of Fire was approved for a State Homeland Security Grant to purchase the BOZ robot COFDM wireless upgraded communication system for the Bomb Squad. The grant requirements are such that purchasing this equipment pursuant to the relevant provisions of Section 329 of the City Code relating to Formal Competitive Bidding is not possible due to the specialized nature of this equipment.
This specialized and proprietary equipment is unique and offered only by the aforeme...
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