Agenda Item
a. Approval of Blue Mantis (Not to exceed $350,268)
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 infrastructure as a service (IaaS) through HPE GreenLake hardware, as well as Managed IT Services for HPE GreenLake infrastructure with Blue Mantis for an amount not to exceed $350,268.
Why: For the 2025-2026 school year, the Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT) is requesting the continuation of Blue Mantis services to support HPE GreenLake server infrastructure at the William Bradley Bryant Center (WBBC). This site serves as the district’s main distribution frame (MDF), currently running nearly 100 virtual servers, with additional servers being added. Older systems, including the district’s phone system, are being consolidated into this new environment.
Details: Blue Mantis supports the DeKalb County School District’s core on-site server and storage infrastructure by providing advanced HPE hardware, including high-performance HPE Alletra all-flash storage systems, powerful HPE ProLiant DL360 servers, and high-speed network switches to ensure fast, stable connectivity. This setup is complemented by GreenLake Managed Services, which delivers comprehensive IT service management and operational support. Key services include technical support, incident and problem management, capacity and availability management, and configuration and change management. Blue Mantis also handles event and release management, service request fulfillment, and maintains effective relationship management to ensure clear communication and successful service delivery. Together, these solutions ensure optimal performance, reliability, and scalability for DCSD’s IT environment.
Financial impact: $350,268
General Fund: 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
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
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:
________________________________________________________________
Blue Mantis
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
7.10.25
Date of request: ___________ 7.15.25 (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Due Date: ___________
This is for the purchase of infrastructure as a service as well as
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
managed IT services with Blue Mantis
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
Confirmed the use of TIPS cooperative agreement
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Blue Mantis Quotes (2)
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Stephanie Young
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
stephanie_young@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 502.727.9383
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: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________