Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the purchase of software-defined network switches from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in the amount of $66,545
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Fiscally Sustainable
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Department of Energy (“DOE”) has entered into a cooperative agreement with American Public Power Association (“APPA”), Award Number DE-CR0000007, to develop and deploy cyber and cyber-physical operational technology (“OT”) solutions within the public power community.
In May 2021, Ocala Electric Utility (“OEU”) and the Information Technology (“IT”) departments began working with APPA on this effort to find a solution to integrate with OEU’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) network.
On February 7, 2023, Council approved the Participation Agreement to Develop Cybersecurity Defense for Public Power (the “Participation Agreement”) between OEU and the APPA. Pursuant to the terms of the Participation Agreement, APPA has agreed to assist OEU address and overcome key cybersecurity challenges and maximize the long-term robustness and overall effectiveness of deployed solutions for the benefit of the electric industry.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
As a condition of the Participation Agreement, OEU is required to obtain goods and/or services from only those vendors vetted and approved by APPA and expressly identified therein. To facilitate this arrangement, the OEU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) entered into an Agreement for Vendor Products (the “Vendor Agreement”) on July 24, 2023. Under the terms of the Vendor Agreement, the City shall purchase equipment directly from SEL and APPA will reimburse the City of Ocala.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the purchase of $66,545 will be appropriated in account #457-060-171-531-69-65010 and will be paid under Contract No. ITS/220686. Staff is submitting an accompanying budget resolution on the consent portion of this agenda to appropriate funds for this purchase.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods and services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny