Title
Information Technologies Department recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Authorize the use of competitively bid Agreement US-NCPA 01-86 between Carahsoft Technology Corp. and Region 14 Education Service Center for the acquisition of computer software, maintenance, and technical support services necessary to continue using VMware software; and
2) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to reseller ePlus Technology Inc., under Agreement US-NCPA 01-86 between Carahsoft Technology Corp. and Region 14 Education Service Center, in the amount of $168,131.80, for the renewal of VMware Enterprise License Agreements and Maintenance Services for one (1) year.
FUNDING: General Fund, with partial cost recovery in future years through the A-87 Cost Plan.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
VMware NSX enables network virtualization and security for the Data Center. With NSX, network functions including load balancing and network micro-segmentation provide operational efficiencies through automation. The load balancing function provides uptime and aids in business continuity. In the event there is an issue with a critical server, or a server is offline for maintenance, the load balancer seamlessly routes all traffic to a secondary server. The network micro segmentation piece of NSX increases network security.
On August 15, 2017, the Board approved Purchase Order 20180011 for the purchase of a three (3) year VMware Enterprise Software License Agreement (ELA) and associated support services through DSA Technologies. The term of this purchase order expired August 3, 2020.
On June 30, 2020, the Board authorized the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to CDW Government LLC, under the Arizona NASPO ValuePoint master price agreement ADSPO16-130652 and California Participating Addendum 7-16-70-37, in the amount of $958,000, for the renewal of VMWare Enterprise License Agreements and Maintenance Services for three (3) years. Purchase Order 21000038 was for services for the period of August 4, 2020, through August 3, 2023.
This renewal will upgrade our VMware platform to the current VCloud Suite+ with subscription upgrades to VMware NSX Enterprise+, which will provide the best performance and security options for the County. This renewal will cover the existing server-system through the anticipated end of its lifecycle.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could direct staff to purchase a one (1) year VMware software license through a different vendor which would result in a service delay and potential network issues that would impact performance and security.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
08/15/2017 Legistar item 17-0598 Board approval of Purchase Order 20180011.
06/30/2020 Legistar 20-0813 Board approval of Purchase Order 21000038.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement & Contracts, County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The IT Department FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget contains sufficient appropriations for this cost.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Tonya Digiorno, Director of Information Technologies