Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with TargetSolutions Learning LLC/CentreLearn for $140,748.00 to continue the Division of Fire's Distance Learning program. Since 2008, the Columbus Fire Division has been contracting with a computer based training content provider for their Distance Learning Project. The Fire Division's Distance Learning project was implemented to provide remote training in all fire stations via computer network. A computer based training content provider is used to continue to provide and implement training, scheduling, and logging of employee training history, as well as software updates and support for the Fire Division.
In 2008, Columbus Fire entered in contract with then CentreLearn Solutions, LLC to deliver on-line Fire and EMS continuing education. In September 2014, CentreLearn Solutions merged with TargetSolutions under the parent company Vector Learning. At that time the platform that Columbus Fire was using became “CentreLearn Classic”. In 2015, the CentreLearn Classic platform was eliminated for the “new” CentreLearn or the TargetSolutions platform. TargetSolutions offers more features and content over both the Classic CentreLearn and the revised “new” CentreLearn package. The Training Bureau also researched different online learning packages including Firehouse Software, but none offered the same features that incorporated both RMS (Record Management System) and LMS (Learning Management System) capabilities.
Target Solutions is expandable and customizable, offering credentials tracking for many different specialties including DART, Haz-Mat, FAO, Investigator, Professional Standards, and ARFF training. TargetSolutions can track and notify members plus add informative videos to help fire personnel members meet their fitness and nutrition goals, and is also being used to track performance measures and identify training deficiencies. All Columbus Fire members are required by state law and the city to maintain the Firefighter, Fire Inspector, and EMS credentials. The Division’s credibility during accreditation could be in jeopardy without complete and centralized training records and easy access to those records.
In summary, Columbus Fire has been using the Target Solutions/CentreLearn training platform since 2008. Since that time the Fire Division has built out credentials for Recruit, Apprentice, EMS, Officer, and In-Service Training; changing to a new system would adversely affect all the changes and enhancements that have been made and possibly adversely affect the training records of our 1,581 users of Target Solutions, on a platform that is available 24/7 to fire personnel from any computer or portable device.
Bid Information: The Fire Division is requesting a waive of the competitive bidding process to enter into this contract.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: TargetSolutions Learning LLC (formerly CentreLearn Solutions LLC) ~ 263827779
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is required so that Fire's Distance Learning Program can continue uninterrupted.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $140,748.00 from the General Fund for this contract between the Columbus Division of Fire and TargetSolutions Learning LLC/CentreLearn. The Fire Division is budgeted $145,000.00 in the 2017 General Fund budget for this purpose. The Fire Division spent approximately $140,748.00 in 2016, $105,000 in 2015, for these services. This ordinance is contingent upon passage of the 2017 General Fund Budget.
Title
To authorize the Public Safety Director to enter into a contract with TargetSolutions Learning LLC/CentreLearn for computer based distance learning services for the Division of Fire; to waive the competitive bidding of City Code Chapter 329; to authorize the expenditure of $140,748.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($140,748.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Fire Division previously awarded a bid contract to TargetSolutions Learning LLC/CentreLearn for computer based distance learning services, including training content, implementation, scheduling and history logging, as well as software updates and support; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to enter into a contract with TargetSolutions Learning LLC/CentreLearn for these services for the Division of Fire; and
WHEREAS, it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code Chapter 329 for this purchase; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into this contract for computer based distance learning services 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 Public Safety Director be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with TargetSolutions Learning LLC/CentreLearn computer based distance learning services, including training content, implementation, scheduling and history logging, and software updates and support for the Fire Division.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes to permit the aforementioned purchase.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $140,748.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended from the General Fund Operating 1000-100010 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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 nor vetoes the same.