Agenda Item
c. BlueAlly Cloud Operations, Security, and Microsoft Modernization Services (Not to Exceed $784,422.41)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the purchase of cloud operations, cybersecurity, technical support, cloud modernization, and Microsoft platform optimization services from BlueAlly for an amount not to exceed $784,422.41.
Why: The purpose of this agenda item is to support the Division of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT) in maintaining, securing, and modernizing the District's cloud-based technology environment. The District relies on Microsoft Azure cloud services and Microsoft 365 applications to support instructional programs, communication, collaboration, data storage, cybersecurity, identity management, and business operations. These services are used daily by students, teachers, administrators, and staff and have become essential to the delivery of educational and operational services across the District.
This request includes the District's annual Microsoft Azure cloud consumption costs, managed Microsoft 365 security and support services, cloud environment assessments, Microsoft Copilot readiness planning, and SharePoint modernization services. Together, these services help ensure that cloud resources remain secure, reliable, efficient, and aligned with the District's long-term technology strategy while reducing cybersecurity risks, improving operational efficiency, and supporting future technology initiatives. 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. Certain technical and operational details are not included in public-facing documentation to avoid creating unnecessary security risks.
Details: BlueAlly provides cloud operations, cybersecurity, technical support, and cloud modernization services for the District's Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 environments.
The services included in this request support both the operation of the District's cloud infrastructure and the protection, optimization, and modernization of the systems and data that reside within it.
Key Services Include:
Management and support of the District's Microsoft Azure cloud environment.
Monitoring and maintenance of cloud systems to ensure reliability, performance, and availability.
Security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response support.
Management of user accounts, identity services, and secure access to district technology resources.
Microsoft 365 security configuration, optimization, and compliance support.
Technical support and troubleshooting for Microsoft 365 services, including email, collaboration, file storage, and productivity platforms.
Ongoing cybersecurity reviews, security hardening, and recommendations to strengthen protection against evolving threats.
Assessment of the District's cloud environment to identify opportunities for improved security, governance, scalability, and operational efficiency.
Development of cloud strategy and modernization recommendations to support future technology initiatives.
Evaluation and readiness planning for Microsoft Copilot and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
Review of permissions, data governance, and collaboration environments to support secure adoption of AI-powered productivity tools.
Modernization of the District's SharePoint environment to improve usability, collaboration capabilities, and long-term supportability.
Technical consulting and specialized expertise to support operational, security, and modernization initiatives.
In addition to managed services and modernization projects, this request includes Microsoft Azure cloud consumption. Azure provides the computing resources, storage, networking, security, backup, and application hosting capabilities that support many of the District's critical instructional and business systems. Rather than relying solely on physical servers and equipment located on-site, the District utilizes Azure to provide scalable, reliable, and secure technology services that can adapt to changing operational needs.
Financial impact: General Fund: 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness
Statement of Work
SOW Delivery Date: 6/26/2026
SOW Expiration Date: 9/30/2026
Submitted By: Monica Davis
(P) (404) 316-3565
mdavis@blueally.com
Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................2
2. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED ...............................................................................................2
2.1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................... 2
2.2. SERVICES............................................................................................................................... 2
3. ENGAGEMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS ..........................................................................3
3.1. ENGAGEMENT CONTACTS ........................................................................................................ 3
3.2. SERVICES FEES ....................................................................................................................... 4
3.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE ......................................................................................................... 4
3.4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ....................................................................................................... 4
4. SPECIAL PROVISIONS ........................................................................................................4
4.1. PROGRESS REPORTS................................................................................................................ 4
4.2. CORE SYSTEMS ...................................................................................................................... 4
4.3. PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS........................................................................................................... 4
4.4. SERVICE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................................... 5
4.5. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 5
4.6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ......................................................................................................... 5
4.7. CHANGE MANAGEMENT PROCESS ............................................................................................. 6
5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT .....................................................................6
6. ACCEPTANCE AND AUTHORIZATION ..................................................................................7
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This document may include confidential information that belongs to the Service Provider.
It is legally privileged and intended only for the use of the Client. The Client may not distribute this information to any
third party without the written consent of BlueAlly Technology Solutions.
BlueAlly Proprietary and Confidential 1 blueally.com
Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
1. Introduction
Statement of Work
This Statement of Work (SOW) is effective as of June 26, 2026, between Dekalb County School District
(Client) and BlueAlly Technology Solutions, LLC (Service Provider). The parties agree as follows.
Client: Dekalb County School District
Client Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher
Project Name: Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness
Statement of Work ID: BA2026124302-3
Statement of Work Investment Summary: $24,800
Statement of Work Date: June 26, 2026
Statement of Work Expiry Date: September 30, 2026
(if not executed by all Parties)
Service Provider Contact: Monica Davis
2. Services to be Provided
2.1. Project Objectives
Client has identified the following as the primary objectives of the Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness
project initiative:
● Assess the Microsoft 365 (M365) environment for Copilot for M365 readiness
● Remediate issues that are identified during the assessment
2.2. Services
Service Provider will perform the following services under this SOW:
Task: Project Initiation
Once an agreement is signed and executed by and between Client and Service Provider, the Project
Initiation task is scheduled. Service Provider will assign a project manager, a technical lead, and subject
matter experts as Service Provider deems necessary to Client’s engagement.
During the Project Initiation task, Service Provider will coordinate activities with Client, draft a
communication plan, develop a preliminary Project Schedule, and on-board project resources.
The Project Initiation task concludes with a Project Kickoff meeting. At this meeting, Client and Service
Provider will:
• Identify the project team contacts
• Review the project scope
• Establish a communication plan
• Establish a regular project meeting schedule
• Review the preliminary Project Schedule and discuss establishing the Project Schedule
baseline
• Review Client pre-requisite tasks in preparation for the Copilot Readiness Assessment task
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Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
Service Provider will create and manage the Project Schedule per the terms under the Period of
Performance.
Copilot Readiness Assessment and Remediation
The following activities are conducted during this task:
• Assessment and Discovery
o Discuss Client needs and goals for Copilot
o Review existing applications, services, and the M365 tenant configuration
o Assess the current state of SharePoint sites, Teams, and OneDrive usage
o Identify all active storage in M365 and review permission levels
o Check for instances of over-sharing and document potential risks
o Ensure appropriate permission levels are set for internal and external users
o Review existing Data Protection and Compliance policies
o Assess Governance policies
o Check for alignment with Copilot requirements
• Remediation
o Enable short-term controls to restrict content searching
o Update/configure tenant sharing permissions
o Create up to three (3) Data Loss Prevention Policies
o Create custom data classifications/indicators
o Create and publish up to three (3) Sensitivity Labels
o Extend Sensitivity Labeling to assets in the Microsoft Purview data map
o Enable sensitivity labels to auto-protect sensitive data (if available)
o Ensure/enforce Modern Authentication and other security controls
o Configure link expiration and controls
o Remediate top-level permissions identified during the assessment
Task: Project Closeout
As part of the Project Closeout task, Service Provider will conduct a Project Closeout meeting with Client.
During this meeting, Service Provider will conduct a final review of the Schedule of Deliverables with
Client and identify any outstanding items that need to be addressed prior to closing out the project.
Following the Project Closeout meeting, Service Provider will address all identified outstanding items that
are within the scope of this SOW or any subsequent Change Order, as determined by Service Provider.
The target date for completion of all outstanding items will be identified by Service Provider during the
Project Closeout meeting.
3. Engagement Terms and Conditions
3.1. Engagement Contacts
Service Provider Contact Client Engagement Contact
Contact name Monica Davis Dr. Kermit Belcher
E-mail address mdavis@blueally.com Kermit_Belcher@dekalbschoolsga.org
Phone number (404) 316-3565 (678) 676-1188
Mailing address 3475 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 900 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30305 Stone Mountain, GA 30083
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Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
3.2. Services Fees
These services will be provided at a fixed price.
Engagement Cost
Copilot Readiness Assessment and Remediation $24,800
Service Provider assumes most tasks will be completed during normal business hours mutually agreed
upon at the Project Kickoff (typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
Service provider will invoice Client at the completion of the engagement. Invoices will be payable with Net
30 terms.
3.3. Place of Performance
The work as described in this SOW will be performed remotely.
3.4. Period of Performance
The Period of Performance for the work as described in this SOW is limited to six (6) weeks from the date
of Project Kickoff. The Period of Performance and the level of effort defined in this SOW are based on the
information provided by Client at the time of this SOW; changes to that information will result in a Change
Order. Definitive staffing by Service Provider and scheduling of Project Kickoff will not be undertaken until
this SOW is executed by both Client and Service Provider.
4. Special Provisions
4.1. Progress Reports
Service Provider’s Project Manager/Management function will provide regular reports to Client on a
weekly basis. These may reflect a description of the services rendered, and a description of problems or
issues encountered, as appropriate.
4.2. Core Systems
The scope of work outlined in this SOW is limited to the following Client systems specific to this SOW.
Work on any system or component not specifically listed below is considered out of scope with respect to
this SOW.
● Microsoft 365 Tenant
4.3. Project Assumptions
Service Provider makes the following assumptions in submitting this SOW:
● Client provides assistance and guidance in researching questions and issues pertaining to any
business or functional requirement.
● Client functional area Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and technical personnel are available for
necessary meetings and communication and respond in a timely manner to requests to review
and approve the documentation.
● If Client stakeholders request additional functionality beyond the scope of this SOW, then Service
Provider will issue a Change Order, and upon Client approval, Service Provider will issue a
revised schedule and integrate the Change Order into the project.
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Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
● Client does not require that Service Provider solicit, collect, or build product quotes or Bills of
Materials (BOMs) as part of the scope of this project.
4.4. Service Provider Responsibilities
● Document high-level business requirements, which articulate the big “what” and big “why” (scope
and purpose) through a series of interactions with stakeholders.
● Present high-level business requirements for stakeholder committee review and obtain approval.
● Keep functional requirements in scope as defined.
● Coordinate meetings and schedule interviews with Client stakeholders, keeping Client’s point of
contact informed and involved to the degree requested.
● Obtain approval of the functional requirements.
● Obtain approval of the strategic plan.
4.5. Client Responsibilities
In addition to those Client Obligations set forth elsewhere in this SOW, the following are the
responsibilities of Client:
● Provide current documentation, as requested by Service Provider and necessary for Service
Provider to perform their responsibilities herein, within one (1) week of the Project Kickoff
Meeting.
● Client will have project stakeholders and resources available as lack of representative
participation will elongate the project and require additional hours under a Change Order.
● Client will provide network access to all Core Systems, as appropriate, for Service Provider to
fulfill their obligations during execution of the project.
● Client will provide remote network access, as appropriate, to all Service Provider delivery team
personnel using a secure, stable, and reliable access technology.
● Provide timely response to Service Provider inquiries and recognize Client dependencies to
enable Service Provider to complete its responsibilities per the schedule under the Period of
Performance and scope of this SOW, without requiring a Change Order for delays beyond
Service Provider’s reasonable control. Given Service Provider’s inability to redeploy staff on short
notice, Service Provider staff will charge time against this SOW under a Change Order, if not
informed by Client at least a week in advance of Client’s inability to complete key tasks upon
which Service Provider is dependent.
● Assign stakeholders to ensure that all required experts in specific process areas are involved in
the requirements phase.
● Establish a single point of contact (SPOC) who is authorized to accept work on behalf of Client.
● Provide information about all related systems, processes, and other required documentation.
● Client provides remote access for Service Provider engineers to equipment covered in the scope
of this SOW.
● Provide a review of documentation and feedback on requested changes and accepted content.
● Approve and accept deliverables.
4.6. Intellectual Property
Service Provider retains intellectual property rights in all of its pre-existing materials, software, and
information used in connection with providing the services hereunder. While Client will have the right to
use such pre-existing materials, software, and information, if needed, solely in connection with the
deliverables hereunder, nothing in this Agreement transfers or grants any right, title, or interest in such
pre-existing materials, software, and information.
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Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
4.7. Change Management Process
In the event unforeseen factors change this services scope of work and/or impact the term and cost of
Service Provider provided services, Client and Service Provider may mutually revise the Agreement and
Service Provider shall provide Client with an estimate of the impact of such revisions to the fees, payment
terms, completion schedule, and other applicable provisions of the Agreement. If the parties mutually
agree to such changes, a written description of the agreed-upon change (“Change Order”) shall be
prepared, incorporating such changes to the Agreement, and shall be signed by both parties. The terms
of a Change Order prevail over those of the Agreement.
5. Terms and Conditions of Engagement
Client agrees to purchase from Service Provider those services specified in the SOW attached hereto. In
addition to the terms and conditions set forth in the SOW, Client agrees that all services provided by
Service Provider to Client will be subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. Billing. Payment for services rendered by Service Provider shall be billed and invoiced by Service
Provider on a periodic basis. Client agrees to pay all invoiced amounts within thirty (30) days of the
date of invoice. All out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Service Provider in the performance of
services to Client shall be billed as incurred. Client shall pay all such expenses as promptly as
practicable after receipt thereof. All taxes incurred by Client, resulting from the performance by
Service Provider of the services specified in the SOW, shall be the responsibility of Client.
2. No Solicitation. During the term of the services provided by Service Provider to Client and for a
period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Client shall refrain from soliciting for hire any current or
future Service Provider employee, provided that nothing shall prevent Client from general solicitation
for hire of employees through public advertisement.
3. Termination. Client may terminate the transactions contemplated by the SOW and this agreement
upon the material breach or non-performance by Service Provider of the terms and conditions set
forth in the SOW or this agreement, provided that Service Provider fails to cure such breach or non-
performance within thirty (30) days of Service Provider’s receipt of notice thereof. Service Provider
may terminate the transactions contemplated by the SOW and this agreement upon the material
breach by Client of the terms and conditions set forth in the SOW or this Agreement, or the failure by
Client to pay any amounts due or to become due under the terms hereof or thereof. Client shall
remain liable for payment of all fees and expenses incurred by Client up to the date of termination.
4. Limitation of Liability. Client’s sole and exclusive remedy for all claims, damages, losses, costs, fees,
expenses, or similar items arising from the transactions contemplated by the SOW, including the
provision of services by Service Provider, shall be limited to termination by Client of the services set
forth in the SOW in accordance with the terms set forth above. In no event shall Service Provider be
liable for any incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including any damages resulting from
the loss of data or its use, lost profits, or claims asserted against Client by a third-party. Service
Provider DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
5. Access. Client shall afford Service Provider access to such Client technical matter, data, information,
operating supplies, and computer system(s), as may be reasonably required by Service Provider to
perform the services set forth in the SOW (including, providing Service Provider with a primary point
of contact).
6. Service Provider Personnel. Service Provider retains sole discretion to assign such Service Provider
personnel as it deems necessary or appropriate to perform the services set forth in the SOW.
Service Provider will provide Client with a primary point of contact for inquiries regarding the
services.
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Dekalb County School District
Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness, BA2026124302-3
6/26/2026
7. Confidentiality. Any information (whether written or oral) designated as confidential at any time by
either party shall be held in strict confidence by the receiving party and may be used by the receiving
party only for the purposes set forth in the SOW and the terms of this agreement. Except as required
by law, no confidential information, including the terms of this agreement and the SOW, shall be
disclosed by either party without the prior written consent of the party designating the information as
confidential. Confidential information shall not include any information, that is in or becomes part of
the public domain through no fault of the recipient, is already known to the recipient, has been
developed independently, or is received from a third party without similar restriction and without
breach of this or a similar agreement. Nothing contained in this agreement or the SOW shall prevent
Service Provider from publicizing its business relationship with Client or the nature of the services it
provided to Client.
8. Interpretation. In the event of a conflict between the terms and provisions of this agreement and the
SOW, any purchase order or other document authorizing the work or services covered by this
agreement and the SOW, the provisions of this agreement, and the SOW shall govern.
6. Acceptance and Authorization
The terms and conditions of the Statement of Work apply in full to the services and products
provided under this Statement of Work.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto each acting with proper authority have executed this
Statement of Work, under seal.
BlueAlly Technology Solutions, LLC Dekalb County School District
By: By:
Name: Jason Schroeder Name:
Title: SVP, Services Title:
Date: Date:
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