Submitted By: Shantel Bynes
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Presentation By: Kenneth Jamerson
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Department: Ocala Fiber Network
FORMAL TITLE:
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Additional expenditures under the cooperative purchasing agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp. for Juniper support solutions through BlueAlly in the amount of $45,551.56, for an increased aggregate contract expenditure of $93,179
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Fiscally Sustainable
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
BlueAlly Technology Solutions, LLC (BlueAlly) provides a Juniper Partner Support Solution that delivers 24/7 technical support for Ocala Fiber Network’s (OFN) Juniper core routing equipment, including access to network-certified engineers. This support ensures the reliability, performance, and rapid resolution of issues with OFN’s core infrastructure.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
As a political subdivision of the state of Florida, the City of Ocala qualifies as an eligible user of cooperative purchasing agreements like the General Service Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). GSA contracts are negotiated by the federal government with the intent of securing “most favored customer” pricing plus a discount offered to GSA and other authorized purchasers. The underlying agreement (GSA Contract No. 47QSWA18D008DF for IT Hardware and IT Outsourcing) is valid through August 21, 2028, and BlueAlly, a Juniper-preferred participating dealer, was evaluated and determined by Ocala Fiber Network to be cost-effective and to afford the City best value after comparison with other Juniper preferred vendors.
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, Ocala Fiber Network utilized Contract No. 47QSWA18D008DF for Juniper support solutions through BlueAlly in the amount of $47,627.34. Expenditures for the period August 27, 2023 through August 26, 2025, were tracked under Munis Contract No. OFN/240380.
GSA Contract #47QSWA18D008F has since been extended through August 21, 2028. OFN anticipates expenditures for Juniper support solutions for the period August 26, 2025 through August 26, 2027, will be $45,551.56, which will take the aggregate threshold for Contract No. OFN/240380 to $93,178.90.
Staff recommends approval of this renewal which will ensure the continued operation, stability, and reliability of the network’s core routing infrastructure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The expenditure associated with BlueAlly will be paid from:
Fiscal Year 2023-24 $47,627.34 490-031-290-539-53-52055- Hardware - Maintenance
Fiscal Year 2025-26 $50,000.00 490-031-290-539-53-52055- Hardware - Maintenance
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A. The City’s standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions will govern this purchase.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny