Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the procurement of a data center firewall and network switches from Netsync in the amount of $259,306.30.
Summary
DATE: June 21, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Willie Resto, Executive Director of Information Technology
SUBJECT: Procurement of a Data Center Firewall and Replacement Network Switches
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The City of Killeen operates a data network that is heavily relied upon and widely used by all departments. The switches and firewall are the transport modules for data computing. They are the highway lanes that allow traffic to flow throughout the network and through the Internet. Our switches and firewall are at end-of-life and end-of-service, which means they no longer are supported by CISCO. The current models lack updates and any form of maintenance leaving our network in a vulnerable state. Some of our switches have components that are bad, which will cause them to eventually stop working. The firewall will continue to degrade and be open for attacks. Maintaining efficient, effective, and secure communications are critical to our infrastructure and day-to-day activities. Two firewalls are in place to allow for resilience should one fail and to allow for essential security patching without loss of protection to the network. The firewall and switch procurement will ensure that the City of Killeen continues to provide a reliable and secure data network for the information and data transferred and processed for city services, and for the residents of City of Killeen.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Continue using the existing end-of-life firewall and switches.
2. Purchase the firewall and switches from Netsync using the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) contract TSO-4167 not to exceed $259,306.30.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends alternative #2 the purchase of the firewall and replacement of network switches from Netsync using the Texas DIR contract TSO-4167 to provide a reliable and secure data network.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The Information Technology Department is seeking approval to purchase a firewall and replacement network switches from Netsync through the Texas DIR TSO-4167 purchasing cooperative contract. Purchases made through a cooperative contract are exempt from the competitive bidding process as stated in 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 expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The firewall and switches are projected to cost $259,306.30.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This is a one-time expenditure.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the Information Technology Internal Service Fund account 627-2705-419.61-40.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the procurement of the firewall and switch upgrades from Netsync in the amount of $259,306.30 and that the City Manager or designee be authorized to execute any change orders as permitted by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Quote
Certificate of Interested Parties