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
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:
________________________________________________________________
SecureIT
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
7.10.25
Date of request: ___________ 7.15.25 (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Due Date: ___________
SecureIT is an initiative to strengthen the security posture of the district. There
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
are multiple vendors within the initiative to be reviewed. Those are Blue Ally, Dean Dorton, VivacityTech, and Cyderes
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
Reached out to Mr. Weyman regarding professional services requirement and also confirmed the use
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
of cooperative agreements
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Blue Ally Quotes (2), Cyderes Quote, Cyderes SOW, VivacityTech Quote
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
Dean Dorton proposal, Dean Dorton ICA
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: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________