To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marc Shorr, Information Technology Director
Report Title: Purchase Order with General Datatech, L.P.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, on behalf of the Chief Information Officer, to execute a purchase order with General Datatech, L.P. (GDT) in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the purchase of Palo Alto Networks training credits for the period of March 15, 2024, through March 14, 2025, or one year after the credit initial redemption date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost is charged to the user department. (100% User Fees)
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) handles Countywide internet traffic and is responsible for the security and safety of all County users. The contract with GDT, as a third-party reseller, provides access to Palo Alto Networks (PAN) which has pioneered the next generation of network security with an innovative platform that allows DoIT to secure the County Network and safely enable an increasingly complex and rapidly growing number of applications. At the core of this platform is the PAN Next Generation Firewall, which delivers visibility and control over applications, users, and content within the firewall using highly optimized hardware and software architecture. To properly maintain the PAN Next Generation firewalls at the primary and secondary County data centers, DoIT staff must have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize the PAN cybersecurity solutions to protect the County’s network, data, and users from cyber threats. Having access to PAN training will allow DoIT’s staff to extend their fundamental knowledge of managing cloud security threat detection and endpoint protection as well and confidently configure and manage essential features of the PAN Next Generation Firewall. The training credits will expire one year from the date they are redeemed by DoIT Staff.
The agreement with GDT contains a limitation of GDT’s liability to the County of the lesser of $1,000 or 100% of any amount the County has paid GDT for non-conforming goods or services.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this purchase is not approved DoIT staff may be hindered in their ability to effectively manage cybersecurity risks, protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with relevant regulations.