Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: George Tablack
Department: Finance and Administrative Services Division: Purchasing
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE sole brand designation of Fortinet Software licensing products, subscription, support and Fortinet-branded hardware in use by County agencies on an enterprise level for Cyber Security protection of Broward County. Sole brand standardization of Fortinet Software as a Service (SaaS) allows the Enterprise Technology Services Division to utilize the most appropriate alternate government contract at the then current time and will include all Broward County agencies and offices with an enterprise-wide procurement vehicle.
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Why Action is Necessary
In accordance with the Broward County Procurement Code, Section 21.54.c, the Board is required to approve all standardizations over the award authority of the Director of Purchasing; and Section 21.43, the Board is required to approve all contracts for supplies or services of more than five years.
What Action Accomplishes
Standardizes Fortinet Software licensing products and services, which provides critical Cyber Security protection of Broward County assets across all agencies.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE PURCHASING DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's Value of "Consistently delivering responsive, efficient, quality services to the public and internal customers"; and its Goal to "Build into every process and service effective checks and balances that do not cause inefficiency, but rather ensure consistency, continuity, and quality".
Since 2005, Broward County has utilized Mission Critical Systems, Inc. for delivery of Checkpoint Firewall software, licensing, support, and branded hardware. However, Mission Critical Systems, Inc. is shifting its business to a support cost model that is not favorable to the County. With Checkpoint Firewall annual support cost increases, a heavy focus on Enterprise Agreements and a continued rise in costs, Enterprise Technology Services Division (ETS) concluded after performing a comprehensive cost study, that an enterprise move to the Fortinet Software suite offerings is necessary to stabilize pricing and to protect County assets (Exhibit 1).
Fortinet software performs well for County agencies where it is used and offers cutting edge technology that reduces vulnerabilities to key business operations. On the other hand, ETS has found that Checkpoint Firewall, where used, is lagging behind in technology innovation; therefore, ETS advocates that it is in the best interest of the County to change manufacturers and take necessary steps to secure cyber defenses and prevent disruption to County operations.
ETS is seeking to create a consolidated Enterprise-wide procurement vehicle with an estimated value of $3,900,000 over a five-year term.
Source of Additional Information
Brenda J. Billingsley, Director, Purchasing Division, (954) 357-6070
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Each requirement against this open-end contract will be funded by the appropriate source at the time of release.