To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Contract 20-737-0 Rackspace U.S., Inc.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute on behalf of the Employment and Human Services Director, a purchase order with Rackspace U.S., Inc., in an amount not to exceed $6,524.64, for the purpose of purchasing a Cisco ASA Firewall, subject to the terms of Rackspace’s Master Services Agreement, for the period May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
54% Federal, 38% State, 8% County General Fund all of which is budgeted for FY 25/26.
BACKGROUND:
The Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) needs to purchase Cisco ASA Firewall services from Rackspace to ensure that our sensitive information always remains protected. Firewall Cisco ASA will enable cybersecurity protocols, including threat detection, prevention, and data encryption.
This purchase order ensures our website, EHSD.ORG, is effectively protected against cyber threats. Rackspace’s Master Services Agreement includes an indemnification provision from the County to Rackspace for claims based on the County’s use of the firewall. The Master Services Agreement also includes a limitation of liability capping liability at the amount of fees paid in the 12 months prior to the claim arising. This vendor was selected per procurement requirements outlined in Administrative Bulletin 600.3.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This purchase order supports all five of the community outcomes established in the Children's Report Card: (1) "Children Ready for and Succeeding in School"; (2) "Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood"; (3)"Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient"; (4) "Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing"; and (5) "Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families,” by supporting staff working directly with families and children.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County will be at risk in maintaining data security and regulatory compliance.