Agenda Item
a. Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) Temporary Information Technology Staffing Services (Not to Exceed $1,787,060)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve utilizing temporary information technology staffing services through Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) for an amount not to exceed $1,787,060.
Why: The Division of Information & Instructional Technology (DIIT) manages a complex technology environment supporting instructional systems, enterprise platforms, cybersecurity operations, network infrastructure, and district-wide digital services. In addition to maintaining daily operations, DIIT is responsible for implementing major technology initiatives that often require specialized expertise for defined periods of time.
To support these evolving needs, DIIT requires the ability to supplement its workforce with short-term, specialized technical resources aligned to specific project phases and operational demands. Utilizing temporary staffing through the State of Georgia’s approved IT staffing contract allows the district to address workload fluctuations, obtain specialized expertise when needed, and transition between skill sets as projects evolve without creating permanent staffing obligations.
Details: Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) is the State of Georgia’s authorized vendor for temporary IT staffing services. Through this statewide contract, the district may engage qualified technology professionals on an hourly or project-based basis under state-established terms, conditions, and rate schedules.
Unlike traditional service contracts, staff augmentation services do not include a fixed scope of work or vendor quote. Instead, resources are engaged on an as-needed basis based on district priorities, project timelines, and operational requirements. Contracted personnel work under district direction and alongside permanent staff to support defined initiatives and provide specialized expertise when required.
These resources may assist with a variety of district technology initiatives including infrastructure modernization, enterprise system implementations, cybersecurity initiatives, data analytics efforts, and instructional technology deployments.
Representative Roles Provided:
Physical Security Engineer
Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer
Data Visualization Project Lead
Project Manager
Solutions Architect
Technology Strategist Consultant
Telecommunications Engineer
Network Engineer
Enterprise Services Engineer
Database and Application Development
Hourly rates range from approximately $60 to $154 per hour, depending on role classification under the State of Georgia’s approved CAI rate schedule. In many cases, these rates are comparable to the combined salary and benefits costs of full-time staff while providing the district with flexibility to scale resources based on project demand.
Staff augmentation allows DIIT to maintain service levels, meet project timelines, and address specialized technical needs without adding permanent positions, enabling full-time staff to focus on daily operations and institutional knowledge. The requested renewal is lower than prior years due to successful hiring of permanent staff; however, staff augmentation, composed of subject matter experts, will remain a strategic, ongoing component of DIIT’s workforce model to support major initiatives, emerging technical demands, and time-limited projects.
Financial impact: General Fund 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs