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 a three-year agreement for firewall hardware and software maintenance and support in an estimated expenditure of $120,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala utilizes several network firewalls to protect internal networks, systems, applications, and services. A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its primary function is to establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, helping to prevent unauthorized access and protect against cyber threats.
The City’s main firewalls, acquired from Verteks Consulting in 2016, are currently facing high utilization levels due to the growing number of networks they are securing. To meet the increasing demands of the City, an upgrade to more powerful and capable firewalls is essential.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Firewalls are mission-critical and are utilized continuously to provide network security, safe Internet access, Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) services. Replacement of this aging firewall will improve network performance and ensure we receive future software updates.
Verteks is on the approved vendor list to utilize the TP SYNNEX NCPA Contract #01-170 - Advanced Technology Solutions Aggregator, offering the City of Ocala the best value for this purchase. The TP SYNNEX NCPA Contract NCPA #01-170-Advanced Technology Solutions Aggregator is effective from December 14, 2023, through December 31, 2026, with two additional optional years.
Cooperative purchasing programs are comprised of member cities, counties, and other public agencies nationwide that aggregate their members’ purchasing power to achieve greater volume discounts. The underlying solicitations for each of the preceding cooperative purchasing agreements have been evaluated and determined by the City’s Procurement Department to be cost-effective and to afford the best value.
Staff recommends approval of the use of the TP SYNNEX NCPA Contract #01-170 - Advanced Technology Solutions Aggregator for the purchase of the equipment and services identified above for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the procurement of the equipment and services in the estimated amount of $120,000 are budgeted in FY25 and will be paid from the below accounts under Munis Contract No. ITS/250036
• 001-035-603-516-51-52045 - $89,723.53
• 001-035-603-516-51-52010 - $1,529.30
• 001-035-603-516-51-52060 - $4,328.00
• 001-035-603-516-51-31010 - $4,995.00
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny