Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Office of Education to enter into a contract with Elevate Advocacy LLC to provide program management services in support of the Columbus Promise program.
The Columbus Promise program is a transformational college access, success, and workforce program made possible by a coalition that includes Columbus City Schools, Columbus State Community College, I Know I Can, the Columbus Foundation, the Upjohn Institute, and other partners. Announced in the fall of 2021, the first cohort enrolled in the fall of 2022 and the second cohort enrolled in the fall of 2023, currently enabling Columbus City Schools students to attend Columbus State Community College. The vision for Columbus Promise program is an array of free college-to-career pathways for Columbus' students.
This contract will engage Elevate Advocacy LLC to provide program manager support to the City of Columbus by connecting stakeholders, providing regular reports, and engaging in strategic planning for the future growth of the Columbus Promise program. Ordinance 2783-2023 authorized the first contract between the Office of Education and Elevate Advocacy for these services, and this ordinance authorizes the continuation of those services. Given the relationships that the consultant has built with key stakeholders, it is in the best interest of the City and of the Columbus Promise program to continue contracting with Elevate Advocacy for program management needs. Competitive bidding would delay progress for the Columbus Promise program and is not conducive to ongoing partnerships given the relationships that have been established. Therefore, it is requested that competitive bidding requirements be waived.
Emergency legislation is required to provide compensation for program management services in a timely manner. Elevate Advocacy’s previous contract expires on March 31, 2024, and work on the contract authorized by this ordinance will begin ...
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