GSA Novation

AID 2041042 · View on Simbli

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
 Docusign Envelope ID: 5AF84505-5EEC-41B6-AE27-7E24A8E4E19E
                                                                                                                           1. CONTRACT ID CODE                   PAGE        OF   PAGES
       AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                                                         1               2
  2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER                               3. EFFECTIVE DATE             4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER           5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)
    PS-0050                                                       Oct 07, 2024                                                                      MAS
  6. ISSUED BY                                         CODE                                     7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)           CODE

    General Services Administration                                                                   GSA/FAS/QV0CC
    OFFICE OF IT SCHEDULE PROGRAMS                                                                    10 CAUSEWAY ST
    1800 F ST. NW                                                                                     BOSTON MA 02222
    WASHINGTON             DC 20405
  8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)                                          (X)   9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER
    N2GRATE GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    1225 CRESCENT GREEN STE 115
                                                                                                                                9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
    CARY, NC 275188119
                                                                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

                                                                                                                                     GS-35F-016BA
                                                                                                                                10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
  CODE                                                        FACILITY CODE                                                          Oct 09, 2013
                                            11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
       The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers         is extended.           is not extended.

  Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:
  (a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning                  copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;
  or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE
  RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If
  by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic
  communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.
  12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)


                                      13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.
                                       IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
  CHECK ONE       A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER
                     NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

                  B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office,
                     appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

        X         C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF: See Block 13 Notes...

                  D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)


  E. IMPORTANT: Contractor                    is not      X is required to sign this document and return                                   copies to the issuing office.
  14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

        Pursuant to FAR 42.1204 (Novation) this modification under FAR 42.1204 (Novation) and
        under the authority of FAR 52.204-13, this modification incorporates the following
        changes:

        Execute the novation agreement to recognize BLUEALLY TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC (UEI:
        D1PMXRCHUKG8) as the successor in interest to GSA Contract GS35F016BA originally awarded
                                              Continue next page...
  Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.
  15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                                          16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)


Joseph Kenny                                                                            Kenneth Redmond
  15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                                15C. DATE SIGNED                 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                                        16C. DATE SIGNED


                                                         10/7/2024                                                                                            10/8/2024

         (Signature of person authorized to sign)                                                          (Signature of Contracting Officer)

  Previous edition unusable
                                                                                                                                   STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)
                                                                                                                                   Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
Docusign Envelope ID: 5AF84505-5EEC-41B6-AE27-7E24A8E4E19E
                                                  INSTRUCTIONS (Back Page):
                       Instructions for items other than those that are self-explanatory, are as follows:

(a) Item 1 (Contract ID Code). Insert the contract type                (2) Accounting classification
    identification code that appears in the title block of                 Net decrease                  $
    the contract being modified.
                                                                       NOTE: If there are changes to multiple accounting
(b) Item 3 (Effective date).                                           classifications that cannot be placed in block 12,
                                                                       insert an asterisk and the words "See continuation
      (1) For a solicitation amendment, change order,                  sheet".
          or administrative change, the effective date
          shall be the issue date of the amendment,              (g)   Item 13. Check the appropriate box to indicate the
          change order, or administrative change.                      type of modification. Insert in the corresponding
                                                                       blank the authority under which the modification is
      (2) For a supplemental agreement, the effective
                                                                       issued. Check whether or not contractor must sign
          date shall be the date agreed to by the
                                                                       this document. (See FAR 43.103.)
          contracting parties.
      (3) For a modification issued as an initial or             (h)   Item 14 (Description of Amendment/Modification).
          confirming notice of termination for the
          convenience of the Government, the effective                 (1) Organize amendments or modifications under
          date and the modification number of the                          the appropriate Uniform Contract Format (UCF)
          confirming notice shall be the same as the                       section headings from the applicable
          effective date and modification number of the                    solicitation or contract. The UCF table of
          initial notice.                                                  contents, however, shall not be set forth in this
                                                                           document.
      (4) For a modification converting a termination for
          default to a termination for the convenience of              (2) Indicate the impact of the modification on the
          the Government, the effective date shall be the                  overall total contract price by inserting one of
          same as the effective date of the termination for                the following entries:
          default.
      (5) For a modification confirming the contracting                     (i) Total contract price increased by $
          officer's determination of the amount due in
          settlement of a contract termination, the effective               (ii) Total contract price decreased by $
          date shall be the same as the effective date of
          the initial decision.                                             (iii) Total contract price unchanged.

                                                                       (3) State reason for modification.
(c) Item 6 (Issued By). Insert the name and address of
    the issuing office. If applicable, insert the                      (4) When removing, reinstating, or adding funds,
    appropriate issuing office code in the code block.                     identify the contract items and accounting
(d) Item 8 (Name and Address of Contractor). For                           classifications.
    modifications to a contract or order, enter the                    (5) When the SF 30 is used to reflect a
    contractor's name, address, and code as shown in                       determination by the contracting officer of the
    the original contract or order, unless changed by                      amount due in settlement of a contract
    this or a previous modification.                                       terminated for the convenience of the
                                                                           Government, the entry in Item 14 of the
(e) Items 9, (Amendment of Solicitation Number -
                                                                           modification may be limited to --
    Dated), and 10, (Modification of Contract/Order
    Number - Dated). Check the appropriate box and in                       (i) A reference to the letter determination; and
    the corresponding blanks insert the number and
    date of the original solicitation, contract, or order.
                                                                            (ii) A statement of the net amount determined
                                                                                 to be due in settlement of the contract.
(f)   Item 12 (Accounting and Appropriation Data).
      When appropriate, indicate the impact of the                     (6) Include subject matter or short title of
      modification on each affected accounting                             solicitation/contract where feasible.
      classification by inserting one of the following
      entries:                                                   (i) Item 16B. The contracting officer's signature is not
                                                                     required on solicitation amendments. The
      (1) Accounting classification                                  contracting officer's signature is normally affixed last
          Net increase             $                                 on supplemental agreements.
                                                                                 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016) BACK
Docusign Envelope ID: 5AF84505-5EEC-41B6-AE27-7E24A8E4E19E



       Continuation of Description...

       to N2GRATE GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC (J8FRFK3U6M93). The novation agreement,
       and all supporting documentation are hereby incorporated into this contract.

       The contractor is responsible for notifying all of its Federal Government contracting
       officers on affected current contracts of this novation and coordinating such novation
       with each contracting office.

       BLUEALLY TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC is also required to issue a new GSA price list or
       price list addendum incorporating the changes described in this modification.

       Pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (d) of GSAR 552.238-82 MODIFICATIONS (FEDERAL SUPPLY
       SCHEDULE) (JAN 2022) (ALTERNATE II MAY 2019):

       -Effective Dates, the effective date of this modification is the date specified on the
       SF-30 in Block 3, effective date.
       -Electronic File Updates, the contractor shall update electronic file submissions to
       reflect all modifications.

       All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5AF84505-5EEC-41B6-AE27-7E24A8E4E19E



       Block 13 Notes
       --------------

       Block 13.C:

       FAR 52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance
Docusign Envelope ID: 5AF84505-5EEC-41B6-AE27-7E24A8E4E19E




       List of Documents for the eMod Package:
       ---------------------------------------

       File Name: n2grate Member Resolutions for Contribution of Assets for Novation Executed.pd
       f
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:57:57 AM
       Description: Stakeholder meeting minutes

       File Name: BlueAlly Technology Solutions LLC - A R LLC Agreement March 2021 fully execute
       d.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:02:02 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: 3-Purchase Agreement B.1 Project Greyhound - Membership Interest Purchase Agre
       ement.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 11:00:19 AM
       Description: Consent of sureties

       File Name: BlueAlly Technology Solutions LLC DE Certified Formation Evidence 6-22-20 1150
       27332_1.PDF
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:02:44 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: 4 BlueAlly n2grate Novation Agreement Executed.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:39:22 AM
       Description: Novation Agreement

       File Name: BlueAlly Technology Solutions Member Resolutions.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:00:25 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: 4 Novation Agreement Executed.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 11:58:45 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: BlueAlly Technology Solutions SAM Registration.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:00:43 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: 9 Asset Contribution Agreement re GSA Contracts Executed.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 11:59:03 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: n2Grate Technologies SAM Registration.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:03:55 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: n2Grate Ongoing Contracts.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:40:00 AM
       Description: SF 30 - Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract - Mod

       File Name: 13 - n2grate Government Technology Solutions Final FS.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:37:02 AM
       Description: Balance sheets

       File Name: 16 - BlueAlly-n2grate - Signed Legal Opinion Letter.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:37:45 AM
       Description: Legal opinion - novation

       File Name: Statement regarding Sub Contracting Plan.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:04:16 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: 1 Cover Letter Signed.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: 5AF84505-5EEC-41B6-AE27-7E24A8E4E19E




       File Name: n2Grate Government Technology GSA Pricelist.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:03:30 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: 12 - BLUEALLY FINAL 2023 FS.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:36:47 AM
       Description: Balance sheets

       File Name: Project Greyhound - Membership Interest Purchase Agreement.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 11:20:30 AM
       Description: Evidence of transfer

       File Name: Statement regarding Security Clearances_R2.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 10:56:04 AM
       Description: Evidence of security clearance(s)

       File Name: BlueAlly The BluePrint.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 12:03:13 AM
       Description: Vendor Defined

       File Name: Mod.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/4/2024 2:29:34 PM
       Description: Vendor Response Document

       File Name: 4_Novation_Agreement_Executed Signed.pdf
       Submit Date: 10/07/2024 09:35:47:63
       Description: Signed Novation Agreement