DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute A Contract With The State Of Minnesota MN.IT Whole-Of-State Cybersecurity Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Deputy County Manager to execute a contract with the State of Minnesota MN.IT Whole-of State Cybersecurity Program.
SUMMARY
The State of Minnesota has partnered with the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force to develop a Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan and present a strong, unified front against cybersecurity threats. This plan is partially funded by the Federal, State, and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and the Minnesota Legislature.
The Whole-of-State Plan focuses on collaboration between government partners to improve visibility of threats and augmentation of security teams by providing round the clock monitoring. Through participating in this collaboration, Dakota County Information Technology staff will have access to a centralized platform where threat analysis leverages AI to track events from start to eradication without having to move between environments. Should other partners identify a threat, the communications channels are streamlined to better to ensure the threat is not also targeting our systems. The State of Minnesota will also provide after hours and weekend monitoring of our systems.
The cost of the contract is $186,000 in year one and $198,000 in year two for a total not to exceed amount of $384,000 over two years. Dakota County Information Technology will terminate existing contracts totaling $94,000 per year for a total of $188,000 over two years, as these solutions will be replaced by the services provided by the Whole-of-State Plan.
The State of Minnesota will manage existing grants for this program on our behalf providing up to an additional $56,000 in 2026 and $35,000 in 2027 to help offset costs. If additional grant sources are made available, the State will provide additional discounts.
This partnership is an initial two-year commitment, after which the County can terminate the agreement with 60 day written notice.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommend the County Board authorize the Deputy County Manager to execute a contract for a two-year term, with the state of Minnesota MN.IT Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Program in an amount not to exceed $384,000.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The total cost of this contract is $186,000 in year one and $198,000 in year two for a total not to exceed amount of $384,000 over two years. Dakota County Information Technology will terminate existing contracts of $94,000 per year for a total of $188,000 over two years as these services will no longer be needed. The State of Minnesota will also manage existing grants and provide up to $56,000 in 2026 and $35,000 in 2027 to offset costs. All remaining costs for the contract ($36,000 in 2026) will be funded by levy and are included in the 2026 Information Technology Department budget in the General Fund. Future expenses related to this contract will be included in the County Manager’s 2027 Recommended Budget.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has partnered with the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force to develop a Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan and present a strong, unified front against cybersecurity threats; and
WHEREAS, the Whole-of-State Plan focuses on collaboration between government partners to improve visibility of threats and augmentation of security teams by providing round the clock monitoring; and
WHEREAS, through participating, Dakota County Information Technology staff will have access to a centralized platform where threat analysis leverages AI to track events from start to eradication without having to move between environments; and
WHEREAS, the total cost of the contract is $186,000 in year one and $198,000 in year two for a total not to exceed amount of $384,000 over two years; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota will manage existing grants for this program on our behalf providing up to an additional $56,000 in 2026 and $35,000 in 2027 to help offset costs; and
WHEREAS, funding for this purchase has been authorized in the 2026 Information Technology budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a contract for a two-year term, with the State of Minnesota MN.IT Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Program in an amount not to exceed $384,000, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Tony Gomes
Author: David Senn