Agenda Item
b. Approval of SecureIT (Not to exceed $2,068,760)
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 purchase of information and network security services and associated infrastructure components from Blue Ally ($534,200 Azure consumption & $148,100 managed services and support) in the amount of $682,300, Cyderes in the amount of $723,960 ($678,960 annual services & $45,000 onboarding services), Dean Dorton in the amount of $250,200, and VivacityTech in the amount of $412,300 for SecureIT for a total cost not to exceed $2,068,760.
Why: The purpose of this agenda item is to support the Division of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT) and district leadership in ongoing efforts to secure information systems and network resources by protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of student, staff, and financial information/data.
Please note that this agenda item is intentionally written at a high level to provide transparency while maintaining necessary limitations that protect the district’s security posture. The SecureIT initiative supports this balance by promoting openness without compromising digital privacy, safety, or security.
Details: SecureIT is guided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, a widely adopted model used by leading public and private sector organizations. The framework is built around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These pillars provide a structured approach to assessing risk, securing digital assets, monitoring threats, responding to incidents, and restoring operations. By aligning with this nationally recognized standard, the district ensures that its cybersecurity efforts are both rigorous and scalable.
Key Partners and Services:
Blue Ally
Manages Microsoft Azure & Microsoft 365 environments
Provides identity management, security hardening, breach detection, and 100 hours of on-demand support
Cyderes
24/7 managed security services with real-time threat detection and response
Includes SOC, SOAR automation, threat intelligence, proactive threat hunting, and unlimited investigations
Dean Dorton
Provides vCISO leadership and cybersecurity strategy aligned to the NIST framework
Supports incident response, audits, security awareness, assessments, and attack surface monitoring
VivacityTech
Delivers Google Workspace for Education Plus
Enhances security, reporting, collaboration, and administrative tools for education environments
Financial impact: $2,068,760
General Fund:
Professional Services: 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Computer Software: 100.1000.561200.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Expendable Equipment: 100.2210.561500.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1200
Effective: August 2025
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Quote # 25777 v. 1
Date Issued: 07/07/25
Expire Date: 07/31/25
Azure Consumption Prepared By:
Bill to: Ship to: Monica Davis
Dekalb County School District Dekalb County School District 1225 Crescent Green
Jamal Northington Jamal Northington Suite 115
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd 2652 Lawrenceville Highway Cary, North Carolina, 27518
Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 P: +14043163565
Decatur, GA, 30033
P: P:
E: Jamal_Northington@dekalbschoolsga.org E: Jamal_Northington@dekalbschoolsga.org E: mdavis@blueally.com
Summary
Prices are subject to change. The amount referenced on this quote is based on the estimated annual Azure consumption cost of
$259,200 outlined in SOW #O55019 (presented in August 2024), plus an additional $275,000. Please note these figures are
estimates only. Azure services will be billed based on actual usage, and final charges may be higher or lower depending on
consumption patterns. If the annual usage is below the estimate, a credit will be applied to the following year; if it exceeds the
estimate, the overage will be billed accordingly.
Azure Consumption
Qty Manufacturer Part Product Description Price Ext. Price
Number
1 MS-AZR-0017G Azure NCE Subscription - Estimated Annual Consumption Amount $534,200.00 $534,200.00
Prices are subject to change. This amount is based on the estimated annual Azure consumption cost of $259,200 outlined in
SOW #O55019 (presented in August 2024), plus an additional $275,000. Please note these figures are estimates only. Azure
services will be billed based on actual usage, and final charges may be higher or lower depending on consumption patterns. If
the annual usage is below the estimate, a credit will be applied to the following year; if it exceeds the estimate, the overage will
be billed accordingly.
Subtotal: $534,200.00
Quote Summary Amount
Azure Consumption $534,200.00
Total: $534,200.00
Please ask your BlueAlly Sales Representative about Managed Services.
The information contained herein is the intellectual property of BlueAlly. This quotation is an invitation to offer only. The prices quoted shall remain firm for 30
days from the date hereof, unless modified in writing by BlueAlly. The customer is obligated to pay for this purchase within 30 days of original invoice. Payment
may be made either through third party financing or by payment from the customer. FOB - Freight collect. This quote includes a 3% discount for payment by cash
or check on agreed terms. Payment through credit card will result in the loss of this additional discount.
Please Reference Quote Number on all Purchase Orders
Quote #025777 v1 Page: 1 of 2
Quote # 25777 v. 1
Date Issued: 07/07/25
Expire Date: 07/31/25
Acceptance
BlueAlly Dekalb County School District
Monica Davis
Signature / Name Signature / Name Initials
07/07/2025
Date Date
Quote #025777 v1 Page: 2 of 2