FROM:
Innovation & Technology
SUBJECT:
Title
Authorize the Purchase of Replacement Core Firewalls
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize the Purchasing Division to utilize OMNIA Partners contract #01-137 for the purchase of replacement core firewalls, including five years of licensing, maintenance, and support, in accordance with Purchasing Policies and Procedure Manual 3.1.5 (Cooperative Purchasing Agreement).
2. Approve the purchase from NowTech Solutions of Sacramento, CA in the amount of $623,283.69.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Improve public safety by increasing operational efficiency, visibility and availability.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by improving services through the effective use of technology.
• Practice sound fiscal management by living within our means while investing in the future.
• Invest in the City’s infrastructure (streets, sewers, parks, etc.) by maintaining and improving the city's existing infrastructure.
DISCUSSION:
The City’s core firewalls control traffic between the major sections of the City’s internal network. The City operates these two firewalls together so that one can continue protecting the network if the other becomes unavailable. These firewalls are reaching the end of manufacturer support later this year. Once support ends, the City will no longer receive the security updates, repairs, replacement assistance, and technical support needed to keep these critical devices secure and reliable.
The existing firewalls also cannot handle the full capacity of the planned upgrade to the City’s Internet connection. If the devices are not replaced, they would restrict the faster connection and prevent City departments from receiving its full benefit. This could slow access to cloud-based applications, online services, and other systems that depend on the City’s Internet connection.
Staff recommends replacing the existing devices with a new matched pair designed to provide both the required security and the capacity needed for the upgraded Internet service. The two new devices will work together so that if one is unavailable because of a failure or maintenance, the other can automatically continue protecting the network. This arrangement reduces the risk that a single equipment failure will interrupt Internet access or City services.
The purchase includes all required licensing, maintenance, and manufacturer support for five years, which is the expected service life of the new firewalls. Paying for the full five-year term at the time of purchase provides considerable savings compared with renewing annually. It also locks in current pricing and avoids anticipated annual increases of approximately 5% to 10% during the five-year period.
The purchase will be made through OMNIA Partners contract #01-137 from NowTech Solutions, an authorized reseller. Use of the cooperative purchasing contract provides competitively established pricing and allows the City to complete the replacement before the existing devices reach the end of support.
Per the City’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 3.1.5 Non-Competitive Proposal may be used when a product is being purchased under a cooperative purchasing agreement by another agency at the same price offered to the City of Fontana.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item is $623,283.69. Funds for this purchase are included in the Innovation and Technology Department’s Hardware Replacement Program, project #02621003. The purchase price includes the replacement equipment and all required licensing, maintenance, and manufacturer support for the full five-year service life.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.