Explanation
This ordinance authorizes Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to obtain Cisco WebEx Meeting services, related hardware, licensing, and professional services.
Cisco WebEx Meeting is the City’s standard online meeting and collaboration tool, which has been critical for city employees who have been and are working remotely and for those working on-site. This tool was important prior to the pandemic, but became absolutely necessary during it. Additionally, Cisco WebEx Meeting services reduces travel and travel time, for city employees, vendors and citizens.
This Ordinance also requests waiver of the relevant sections of Chapter 329 pertaining to competitive bidding. The original contract was authorized by Ordinance 1798-2020. However, since Cares Act Funds were used, the contract expired at the end of the year. Therefore, to continue to receive these services from the current vendor, it is necessary to waive competitive bidding. Doing so will ensure that the telework project will continue without delay and/or disruption.
The term of this contract will be for one year from the date of a confirmed purchase order by the City Auditor’s Office.
This ordinance also transfers funds totaling $2,343.74 from object class 03 to object class 06 to accommodate this contract.
Finally, this ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $333,106.49 for the above-described purpose.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this contract is budgeted and available in the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Information Services Operating Fund.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to initiate service from the contractor to avoid interruption in services required by October 12th, 2021.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
Vendor Name: CDW Government, LLC.
DAX Vendor Acct.: # 007352
CC#: 36-4230110
Expiration Date: 2/12/2022
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to continue work on the telework program; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code, Chapter 329; to authorize the transfer of $2,343.74 from object class 03 to object class 06 within the Information Services operating fund; to authorize the expenditure of $333,106.49 from the Information Services operating fund; and to declare an emergency. ($333,106.49)
Body
WHEREAS, Cisco WebEx Meeting is the City’s standard online meeting and collaboration tool used by city employees who have been and are working remotely as well as for those working on-site; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Technology wishes to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to obtain Cisco WebEx Meeting services, related hardware, licensing, and professional services to ensure continuance of the City’s telework program; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to waive sections of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes pertaining to competitive bidding avoid delays and/or disruption to the telework program; and
WHEREAS, a transfer of $2,343.74 from object class 03 to object class 06 is needed to ensure sufficient funds for this contract; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $333,106.49 for the above-described purpose is authorized; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the Department of Technology in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to avoid interruption in services for the telework program, thereby preserving 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 the Department of Technology (DoT) is hereby authorized to enter into contract with CDW Government, LLC to obtain Cisco WebEx Meeting services, related hardware, licensing, and professional services at a cost of $333,106.49 for a term of one year from the date of a confirmed purchase order by the City Auditor’s Office.
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $2,373.74 is hereby authorized, as provided on the attachment to this ordinance. (see attachment 2400-2021EXP)
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $333,106.49, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized as provided on the attachment to this ordinance. (see attachment 2400-2021EXP).
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
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 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.