Agenda Item
a. Blue Mantis Professional Services (Not to exceed $3,718,039) ~ Updated 9.5.2024
Summary: Presented by: Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional services to provide staffing augmentation, maintenance, and monitoring services for network, data center, and cloud services with Blue Mantis for an amount not to exceed $3,718,039.
Why: The purpose of these professional services is to provide the support necessary to implement critical network infrastructure enhancements and refresh projects funded by SPLOST VI. These services will also extend the ability to continue supporting operations and security of the district’s technology infrastructure.
Details: The DeKalb County School District is committed to providing equitable access to an empowered learning and work environment supported by innovative technology and a robust, secure, and constantly accessible network. As a result, the transformation and sustainability of the district’s technology infrastructure are mission-critical. Implementation of current and future technology projects outlined by the MIRACLES (www.dekalbschoolsga.org/miracles) initiative are key to realizing the district’s commitment to digital equity, empowered learning environments, as well as business continuity.
Due to continued and ongoing staffing challenges in DIIT coupled with technology infrastructure change management, critical staffing gaps and capacity that are necessary to complete key projects and milestones within identified timelines continue to surface. As with most industries hiring for IT-related positions, the district is experiencing challenges with hiring IT-related staff. It has been determined that the district must secure complementary professional technology services and support to fill these gaps to ensure these projects are completed with fidelity.
In March 2023, the Board of Education approved the contract renewal for Blue Mantis (formerly, GreenPages Technology Solutions) to provide engineering and strategic planning services along with necessary hardware purchases. With the approval of the SPLOST VI network enhancement projects and the continued loss of skilled staff, there remains a need to add full-time staffing support with the technical experience and knowledge to ensure all infrastructure transformation projects are completed with fidelity. This agenda item requests additional funding for an additional year to cover these costs.
It is important to note that this is an intermittent staffing solution that will ensure key digital transformation and modernization projects are completed according to scope, timeline, and within budget. The ultimate goal is to continue to develop, invest in, and enhance the district’s existing information technology workforce. However, immediate assistance is necessary to fill the gaps in knowledge, skill, and capacity.
In accordance with Board of Education Purchasing Policy DJE III.D.3.d., the Purchasing Department shall be authorized to make purchases through inter-governmental and educational cooperatives, alliances, and consortiums to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies based on economies of scale. Therefore, this purchase will utilize the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance cooperative purchasing agreement 01-96.
Financial impact: $3,718,039
SPLOST VI- $2,552,975 -306.2210.530000.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000
General Fund - $1,165,064 - 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678-676-1274
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs
Request for Legal Assistance
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO MATTER ASSIGNED TO: ________
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS:
___
✔ H. ERIC HILTON (DISTRICT WIDE, BOARD AGENDA ITEMS & EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION)
___ MARISSA KEY (EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, OPEN RECORDS & TITLE IX MATTERS)
___ GLINTON DARIEN (RISK MANAGEMENT & WORKERS COMPENSATION MATTERS)
___ CHASITY MIDDLEBROOKS-CODY (HUMAN RESOURCES & STUDENT RELATIONS)
___ DANIEL DENTON (CONTRACTS)
WITH A COPY TO:
___ SELYNTHIA WISE, OFFICE SPECIALIST
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
Blue Mantis
Topic: ___________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
Legal Review
Action/response required _______________________________________________________________
8/29/24
Date of request: ___________Date by which a response is needed:
(Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Background information: ______________________________________________________________________
Professional Svcs for network infrastructure enhancements & refresh projects
Please attach/include any additional information/documents that are relevant to your request.
Attachment(s)? ____ Yes ____ No Description of attachments, if any ________________________
Requested by: _ LaKeishaBrooks LaKeisha Brooks
___________________________
Print Name Signature
Email:
lakeisha_brooks@dekalbschoolsga.org
__________________ 678-676-1274
Telephone: ___ ______
DIIT
Department: ___________________________________
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: ____________________________
This item is approved as to form? x Yes No
H. Eric Hilton, Esq.
By: _______________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Please copy on email: All that are copied on original email
............................................................................................................................................................
Telephone Conference
Was this matter an emergency requiring immediate contact? Yes No
Date Called: Time: Total Time of Conference:
Advice Given:
Action Taken: