Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
presenter
Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
end
Department: Information Technology
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve a three-year agreement for firewall hardware and software maintenance and support in an estimated expenditure of $120,000
end
OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
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' purc...
Click here for full text