Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Public Safety Director to enter into contract with Leads Online LLC for continued access to the company’s Automated Scrap Materials and Used Goods Transaction Information Management System. Residential and commercial burglaries, theft of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts and various types of metal materials that have value as scrap metal are a significant problem for law enforcement agencies, contractors and builders, utility providers, business owners, home owners, and the residents of Columbus. This system allows for an online electronic reporting system for all pawnshop, secondhand, and scrap metal dealers in Columbus and nationwide access to pawn/secondhand transaction information, reports, and searches. The company maintains records from all participants operating as licensed scrap metal facilities located in the continental United States and makes the information available to the Columbus Division of Police for investigative searches of stolen goods, especially scrap metal.
Ordinance 0441-2007, passed in July 2007, amended Columbus City Codes to provide licensing and regulation of scrap metal dealers and ensures that motor vehicles and metal sold as scrap are legitimately owned by the seller. The City entered into contract with LeadsOnline, LLC on November 17, 2008, pursuant to Ordinance No. 1723-2008 for this service.
Bid Information: The City of Columbus first contracted with this vendor through the competitive RFP process. The contract was approved through ordinance 1723-2008 for access to this database and has continuously been in use since. This technology was a key effort in the City seminal effort to curb the scrap metal thefts within the City. This vital database is a valuable tool for investigators and is now used throughout Central Ohio, the State of Ohio, and around the nation. The Division of Police requests a bid waiver to continue services with this vendor.
Contract Compliance...
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