Title
Resolution to Approve Purchase of Multi-Year Palo Alto Firewall Maintenance and Support from AmeriNet of Michigan, Inc. ($142,638.00) (GSA contract GS-35F-0511T)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution authorizing a purchase of maintenance and support for the City’s Palo Alto firewall from AmeriNet of Michigan, Inc. for $142,638.00.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the Palo Alto Firewall maintenance and support is available in the FY2022 and FY2023 Information Technology Services Unit budgets. This expense will be budgeted for in the FY2024 Information Technology Services Unit budget.
The Palo Alto firewall provides protection for the City network from cybersecurity threats, viruses, malware, etc. Although no network is 100% safe from cybersecurity attacks, these firewalls provide dynamic advanced services and are critical components in our network.
The Palo Alto Firewall is constantly updating definition files to keep our network safe from the threats. Without this maintenance, the firewall would not stay up to date on definition files and put the City network at risk.
Staff
Prepared by: Jen Grimes, IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Manager
Reviewed by: Jennifer Richards, Assistant City Attorney
Tom Shewchuk, IT Director
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, AmeriNet of Michigan, Inc. (“AmeriNet”) was chosen for the purchase of the Palo Alto Firewall equipment and is a Palo Alto reseller;
Whereas, AmeriNet and the City of Ann Arbor IT department have a long standing relationship and they have a local presence. AmeriNet is an Authorized Dealer for Palo Alto and is listed as such by EC America, Inc. who holds the GSA contract (GS-35F-0511T), which this purchase would be based on;
Whereas, The firewall equipment is a critical piece of infrastructure, significantly aides in protecting the City from cyber security attacks;
Whereas, AmeriNet complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances; and
Whereas, Sufficient funding for the Palo Alto firewall network equipment is available in the FY2022 and FY2023 Information Technology Services Unit budget, with plans to include in the FY2024 budget;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a purchase of Palo Alto Firewall maintenance and support from AmeriNet of Michigan, Inc. in the amount of $142,638.00 in accordance with the attached quote; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this Resolution regardless of fiscal year.