Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the purchase of network equipment from GTS Technology Solutions, in the amount of $478,233.00.
Body
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Willie Resto, Executive Director of Information Technology
SUBJECT: Network Infrastructure Replacement
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The city currently operates approximately 146 Cisco network switches and 131 wireless access points across multiple facilities. A significant portion of this equipment has reached or is approaching End of Sale (EOS) and End of Support (EOL) status. As vendor support expires, the city faces increased operational and cybersecurity risks due to limited access to firmware updates, security patches, replacement parts, and manufacturer technical assistance.
Unsupported network infrastructure restricts the City’s ability to maintain a strong cybersecurity posture and remain compliant with regulatory requirements, including Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy standards. CJIS compliance requires secure network segmentation, encryption, monitoring, logging, and timely vulnerability remediation-capabilities that depend on actively supported hardware and software.
To address these risks, the city worked with Traversa and GTS engineering teams to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and develop a structured replacement strategy. The evaluation included review of leading enterprise networking platforms, including Aruba (HPE), Juniper Networks, and Extreme Networks. The assessment considered security capabilities, centralized management features, disaster recovery integration, lifecycle support, licensing models, and total cost of ownership.
The city also participated in technical discussions with peer municipalities that have transitioned to Aruba infrastructure. Feedback reflected strong vendor support, improved cost predictability, simplified management, and long-term reliability.
Based on technical evaluation, cost analysis, and support sustainability, Aruba was identified as a solution that aligns with the City’s operational, security, and compliance requirements. This project also includes completion of the City’s Disaster Recovery (DR) site infrastructure, including updated switching equipment and configured failover capabilities to ensure business continuity and minimize service disruption.
Modernizing the City’s network infrastructure will:
• Maintain manufacturer-supported hardware and software
• Ensure access to ongoing security patches and updates
• Strengthen cybersecurity and CJIS compliance
• Improve network reliability and performance
• Enhance disaster recovery capabilities
• Provide a standardized and scalable platform for future growth
This replacement initiative represents a necessary investment in secure, resilient, and sustainable network infrastructure to support City operations and public safety services.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
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Which alternative is recommended? Why?
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CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The Information Technology Department is seeking approval to purchase computer hardware from GTS Technology Solutions through TIPS purchasing contract 230105. Purchases made through a cooperative contract are exempt from the competitive bidding process as stated in the Texas Local Government Code (TLGC) section 271.102, subchapter F; a local government that purchases goods or services under this subchapter satisfies any state law requiring the local government to seek competitive bids for the purchase of goods or services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The cost for FY 2026 is $478,233.00.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
One-time.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes. Funding is available in the Information Technology CIP account 300-56305-900-180-926005 and the Capital Computer Hardware Account 627-56305-180-181-000000.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the procurement of networking hardware from GTS Technology Solutions using the TIPS contract 230105 in the amount of $478,233.00 and that the City Manager or designee be authorized to execute any change orders as permitted by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
Purchasing
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Quote
TIPS Contract
Contract Verification
Certificate of Interested Parties
Presentation