Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Sensus USA Inc. to provide ongoing software, hardware and maintenance of the system that is required as part of the Enhanced Meter Project legislated under ordinance 1024-2020. During negotiations with the selected vendor for the Enhanced Meter Project, the department determined that using a Software-as-a-service (SAAS) and Managed Services model which will include the vendor hosting all data and software on their computer servers as well as maintaining the system is in the best interest of the City and The Division of Water. This operating contract is for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the system and software to ensure the system implemented as part of the Enhanced Meter Project is usable. As legislated under Ord #1024-2020, the Enhanced Meter Project CIP will replace outdated and under performing meters, install radio transmitting infrastructure to allow wireless readings relayed to the billing software at a central location, and provide an environmentally efficient way to read meter.
This is an operating contract which was negotiated after a vendor was selected as part of the Enhanced Meter Project legislated under Ordinance 1024-2020.
The Initial Term of the contract is from the date of execution through March 31, 2026. The contract is subject to annual funding approval by Columbus City Council between 2021 to 2025 during the Initial Term. The Maximum Obligation for the first period of this contract between the contract execution and March 31, 2021 is $275,000.00. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested. The City may, at its option, perform a contract modification under the same terms and conditions, for fifteen additional one-year terms after the Initial Term. Costs for these renewals after the initial term will be negotiated at a future date.
SUPPLIER: SENSUS USA, Inc. #51-0338883, (exp. 4/13/22, MAJ, DAX#008960)
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT: $275,000.00 is budgeted and available for this contract in the Water Operating Fund.
2019- $0
2018- $0
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Sensus USA, Inc. for ongoing software, hardware, and maintenance of the system that is required as part of the Enhanced Meter Project for the Division of Water; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $275,000.00. ($275,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, during negotiations with the selected vendor for the Enhanced Meter Project authorized under Ordinance 1024-2020, the Division of Water determined that using a Software-as-a-service (SAAS) and Managed Services model which will include the vendor hosting all data and software on their computer servers as well as maintaining the system is in the best interest of the City and its customers; and
WHEREAS, this contract will provide for the ongoing software, hardware, and maintenance of the system that is required as part of the Enhanced Meter Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance provides funding for this contract from the date of execution through March 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the initial term of the contract is from the date of execution through March 31, 2026. Funding will be requested for this contract each year subject to approval by Columbus City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City may, at its option, perform a contract modification under the same terms and conditions, for fifteen additional one-year terms after the Initial Term. Costs for those renewals after the initial term will be negotiated at a future date; and
WHEREAS, funding for the first year of the contract shall not exceed $275,000.00. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water, to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract for ongoing software, hardware, and maintenance of the system that is required by the Enhanced Meter Project, with Sensus USA, Inc.; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for ongoing software, hardware, and maintenance of the system that is required as part of the Enhanced Meter Project for the Division of Water in the amount of $275,000.00, with Sensus USA, Inc., 637 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560, in accordance with the terms and conditions as shown in the agreement on file in the office of the Division of Water.
SECTION 2. That said firm shall conduct the work to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Utilities and the Administrator of the Division of Water.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $275,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000 Water operating Fund in object class 03 (Service) in the amount of $275,000.00 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That Council finds it in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Code.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.