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 aforementioned vendor. All equipment, parts and labor that is funded through U.S. Homeland Security grants must be approved by the United States Homeland Security Office of Domestic Preparedness to be eligible for funding. There is no other approved wireless communication system equipment that meets the Division of Fire Bomb Squad's equipment requirement at this time. This equipment is specific for Bomb Squads, and is limited due to the sensitive nature and the small number of bomb squads in the United States.
This Company is not debarred according to the Excluded Parties listing of the Federal Government and is not listed in the Auditor of State database for Findings for Recovery.
Contract Compliance: BOZ Robotics, Inc. - 61-1513193
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be declared an emergency measure so that legislative approval can occur prior to expiration of the grant period.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary to procure equipment in the amount of $62,280.00 for the Division of Fire's Bomb Squad using State Homeland Security grant funds currently held by Franklin County.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary to enter into contracts with BOZ Robotics, Inc. for the acquisition of the BOZ robot COFDM wireless upgraded communications system for the Division of Fire Bomb Squad, in accordance with the sole source procurement provisions of City Code Chapter 329, utilizing State Homeland Security Grant funds; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Fire needs to acquire the BOZ robot wireless upgraded communication system for the Bomb Squad; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Fire has been awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase said equipment; and
WHEREAS, this acquisition is being made in accordance with the Sole Source Provisions of City Code Chapter 329; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Division of Fire, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to execute those documents necessary for the acquisition of said equipment prior to the expiration of the grant period, for the 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 Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute those documents necessary to enter into a contract with BOZ Robotics, Inc. for the acquisition of the BOZ robot wireless upgraded communication system for the Columbus Fire Bomb Squad.
SECTION 2. That there is no City related expenditure associated with this ordinance; grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security are being administered via Franklin County in the amount of $62,280.00.
SECTION 3. That this acquisition is in accordance with the sole source provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code.
SECTION 4. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared 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 nor vetoes the same.