Agenda Item
d. Network Infrastructure Enhancement Phase II (not to exceed $1,015,851.60)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the agreement with STEP CG for the Network Infrastructure Enhancement Phase II, in an amount not to exceed $1,015,851.60.
Why: The current network infrastructure requires enhancements to address aging components and support the overall security posture of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD). This upgrade will improve reliability, provide an alternative connectivity path, and ensure proactive management and support of critical network systems. The following five initiatives, which include Firewall Upgrade, Incident Response Package, Apex Managed Services, Managed VPN Failover Solution, and Aruba UXI Sensors are strategic technology investments aimed at bolstering DeKalb County Schools’ cybersecurity, network reliability, and operational resilience.
Details: The firewall upgrade addresses outdated hardware and performance limitations, enabling faster internet bandwidth, improved security, and reduced latency critical for meeting growing digital learning demands. Apex Managed Services delivers 24/7 proactive support and strategic IT oversight, helping stabilize operations, reduce the burden on internal staff, and align technology initiatives with district goals. The Managed VPN Failover Solution ensures uninterrupted access to digital resources by providing reliable secondary connectivity at critical sites, protecting instruction during primary network outages. The Incident Response Package offers expert, rapid assistance for unexpected network events, minimizing downtime and identifying vulnerabilities to prevent future disruptions. Finally, Aruba UXI Sensors simulate user activity to enhance visibility into end-user network performance, offering real-time insights that allow proactive issue resolution.
Financial impact: $1,015,851.60
SPLOST
306.2210.530000.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: June 2025
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
Request for Legal Assistance
DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Title of Item/Topic:
Network Infrastructure Enhancement Phase II
________________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
5/9/25
Date of request: ___________ Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Our network infrastructure requires enhancements to address
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
aging components and support the overall security posture of (DCSD)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
LaKeisha Brooks
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
lakeisha_brooks@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-676-1274
Telephone: ____________________________________
DIIT
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Kermit Belcher
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________
LEGAL APPROVAL
Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
-OR- (check one only)
Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.
Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel ____________________________________
Comments: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________