Title
Information Technologies (IT) Department recommending the Board approve the following additions to IT’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Fixed Asset List:
1) One Ekahau Sidekick 2 Wi-Fi Radio Spectrum Analyzer with AI Pro License; and
2) Six Extreme Network Switching devices.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Information Technologies (IT) Department is requesting to purchase an Ekahau Sidekick 2 device for Wi-Fi environment analysis and planning. The Sidekick 2 provides network validation and visualization for dual or tri-band networks. Wi-Fi performance is tested using multiple tri-band radios and a spectrum analyzer that scans at 50 sweeps per second. This allows for the proper placement and testing of Wireless Access Points to maintain coverage at County sites. The fixed asset purchase is estimated at $10,004, plus applicable shipping, for the Sidekick 2 unit and AI Pro one-time software license cost necessary to run the device. An additional estimated $6,021 for Ekahau Connect license subscription and hardware extended support is also included in this purchase, which is planned through CDW-G, using Omnia competitively bid cooperative agreement 2024056-01.
The IT Department is also requesting to purchase a total of six Extreme Networks switching devices to complete the current cycle of network switch replacements. The request is for two Extreme 5420M-48W-4YE devices and for four Extreme 5420M-24W-4YE devices. The fixed asset purchase is estimated at $36,762, plus applicable shipping for the six switches and power supplies. This purchase is planned through ePlus using NASPO competitively bid cooperative Agreement AR3230.
The IT Department has budget savings in fixed assets to cover the costs of these items. There is no change to Net County Cost (NCC) for the purchase of these items, and no budget transfer is needed to complete these orders. The purpose of this item is to approve the additional fixed asset categories that were not requested during the recommended or adopted budget processes.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could deny adding these categories for fixed assets, which would cancel the purchase processes, leaving the County with network vulnerabilities.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement & Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to the IT Budget or Net County Cost for the addition of these items to the Fixed Asset listings.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Amanda Earnshaw, Interim Director of Information Technologies