Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an Indefinite Quantity Agreement Contract with Asplundh Tree Expert LLC for Tree Trimming and Vegetative Management Services. This contract will provide services for tree removal, tree trimming and removal of vegetation in and around power distribution lines, street light circuits, water treatment facilities, sewer treatment facilities and other areas serviced by the City of Columbus
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids for Tree Trimming and Vegetation Management Services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Section 329 (RFQ018278). One-hundred and forty-three (143) vendors were solicited. Three (3) bids were received and opened on April 21. 2021. The bid from Asplundh Tree Expert LLC was deemed as the lowest, responsive, responsible and best bidder.
Therefore, the Department of Public Utilities recommends an Indefinite Quantity Agreement Contract be awarded to Asplundh Tree Expert LLC to be used on an as needed basis. This Contract will remain in force for a period of three (3) years (expiring June 30, 2024) with the option to renew annually for two (2) additional years upon mutual agreement between the parties, availability of budgeted funds, and approval by City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
SUPPLIER: Asplundh Tree Experts LLC, vendor #005944, CC#23-1277550 expires 11/20/22, Majority Status
The current 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: $450,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this purchase.
$448,462.09 was spent in 2020
$582,119.16 was spent in 2019
$533,353.78 was spent in 2018
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an Indefinite Quantity Contract with Asplundh Tree Expert LLC for Tree Trimming and Removal Services; and to authorize the expenditures of $400,000.00 from the Electricity Operating Fund, and $50,000.00 from the Water Operating Fund. ($450,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities maintains a comprehensive program to manage trees and brush that grow around power distribution lines, street light circuits, water treatment facilities, sewer treatment facilities and other areas serviced by the City of Columbus and it has been shown to be effective at improving the reliability of service that it provides its customers; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities solicited and received three bids for Tree Trimming and Vegetative Management Services on April 21, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Asplundh Tree Expert LLC was the lowest, responsive, responsible and best bidder; and
WHEREAS, this Contract will remain in force for a period of three (3) years (expiring June 30, 2024) with the option to renew annually for two (2) additional years upon mutual agreement between the parties, availability of budgeted funds, and approval by City Council. 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 to authorize the Director to enter into an Indefinite Quantity Contract with Asplundh Tree Expert LLC for Tree Trimming and Removal Services; 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 an Indefinite Quantity Agreement Contract for Tree Trimming and Vegetative Management Services, per the terms and conditions of RFQ018278 on file.
SECTION 2. That said firm shall conduct the work to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Utilities.
SECTION 3. 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 4. That the expenditure of $450,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby $400,000.00 authorized in Fund 6300 (Electricity Operating) and $50,000.00 Fund 6000 (Water Operating) in object class 03 Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.