Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Chief Innovation Officer to execute a fourth planned contract modification with Engage Public Affairs in an amount up to $860,000.00 for the continued provision of communication and outreach services related to the USDOT Smart City Challenge, a collaborative effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (Vulcan) seeking to “create a fully integrated, first-of-its kind city that uses data, technology and creativity to shape how people and goods move in the future.” Ordinance Number 1901-2017 authorized the Public Service Director to transfer signature authority to the Chief Innovation Officer or the Chief Innovation Officer's designee for all past, present and future Smart Columbus, USDOT Smart City Challenge, and Paul G Allen Family Foundation (Vulcan) contracts, documents, and projects.
In August of 2016 USDOT awarded the City of Columbus up to $40 million in Federal funds (for the USDOT Smart City Challenge project) and Vulcan awarded the City up to $10 million in private grant funding (for the Vulcan Smart City Challenge project) to assist in implementation of the City’s proposal to demonstrate how advanced data and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies and applications can be used to reduce congestion, keep travelers safe, protect the environment, respond to climate change, connect underserved communities, and support economic vitality. Pursuant to the agreement signed with USDOT effective August 30, 2016, the City of Columbus is to contribute $8,000,000.00 in cost-share monies as part of the USDOT Smart City Challenge project.
Ordinance 1900-2016 authorized the Director of the Department of Public Service to initiate a procurement effort that resulted in the award and execution of a professional services contract with Engage Public Affairs in the amount of up to $125,000.00 for the provision of communication and outreach servic...
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