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
Chronology of Blue Mantis
Dekalb County School District's engagement with Blue Mantis (formerly GreenPages Technology
Solutions) for the past two years has been to address critical IT infrastructure needs and support
the district's strategic initiatives. The partnership aimed to ensure equitable access to a
supportive learning and work environment for all students and staff by providing a robust,
secure, and accessible network.
To achieve these goals, Blue Mantis has provided comprehensive services, including:
• Network Operations Center (NOC): A dedicated NOC was established to monitor
and manage the district's network during significant infrastructure changes
involving switches, cabling, and wireless infrastructure.
• Third-tier support: Blue Mantis provided advanced technical support to resolve
complex network issues and ensure optimal performance.
• Staff augmentation: Additional staff were allocated to the district to support the
implementation of new technologies and infrastructure upgrades.
• HPE GreenLake server infrastructure support: Blue Mantis collaborated with
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to refresh and support the district's server
infrastructure.
Year BOE Approval Amount Spent
2022 - 2023 $6,308,609 $5,898,879
2023 - 2024 $1,000,000 $996,380
2024 - 2025 $3,718,039 (requested)
This engagement with Blue Mantis was necessary due to the challenges faced by the
district's Department of Information & Instructional Technology (DIIT) in addressing staffing
limitations and the need for expertise in managing technological advancements. Blue
Mantis was selected to fill these gaps.
As the district continues implementation for SPLOST VI Technology Projects, it is requested
that Blue Mantis continues to provide the following support:
• Network architecture and strategy: Blue Mantis will assist the district with
planning and strategy necessary to determine the optimal direction for its wireless
network and leverage the latest innovations to enhance connectivity and
performance.
• Knowledge transfer and documentation: Blue Mantis will continue to ensure a
smooth transition of knowledge and documentation to district staff, enabling them
to effectively manage and maintain the new infrastructure.
This chronology details the district's engagement with Blue Mantis and the specific
services provided to address its IT infrastructure challenges and support its strategic
objectives.