Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
FORMAL TITLE:
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Participation Agreement with American Public Power Association to develop and deploy cyber security defense for public power in the amount of $55,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Department of Energy (DOE) 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 (the Cooperative Agreement).
APPA will contract with Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) through this Participation Agreement to help OEU address and overcome key cybersecurity challenges and maximize the long-term robustness and overall effectiveness of deployed solutions for the benefit of the whole electric industry.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
In May 2021, OEU and the Information Technology (IT) departments began working with APPA on this effort to find a solution that would integrate with OEU’s supervisory control and data acquisition network.
In February 2023, the City Council accepted and approved the award, entering into a Participation Agreement with American Public Power in the amount of $432,545.
APPA has secured additional funding under DE-CR0000007 for cybersecurity monitoring services using the Dragos “OT Watch” platform.
Dragos OT Watch is a specialized service designed for proactive threat hunting and monitoring within operational technology (OT) environments. It leverages expert analysts to provide continuous visibility, risk assessment, and validated alerts, enabling organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture against potential threats in critical infrastructure.
Staff recommends accepting the award and amending the Participation Agreement with the American Public Power Association.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The amount awarded under the Participation Agreement is $55,000. Vendor payments will be made directly by APPA on behalf of OEU. At this time, there is no financial impact to the City of Ocala. APPA will pay the Dragos OT Watch monitoring services for the next 22 months.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A.
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