DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Purchase Wireless Infrastructure For Dakota County Buildings And Parks
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Enterprise Finance and Information Services Director to purchase replacement wireless infrastructure from Insight Public Sector, Inc. to ensure continued connectivity of employee and public laptop and mobile devices to Dakota County’s core network and Internet resources.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Information Technology (IT) Department operates and maintains hundreds of pieces of wireless networking hardware in County facilities and parks which connect laptop computers and mobile devices to core network resources and public entities to Internet resources. Dakota County’s current wireless infrastructure is past its life cycle and no longer supported by the manufacturer. The replacement of the wireless infrastructure will give the County a manufacturer supported system, using the most recent of wireless technologies, which increases speeds, capacity and coverage areas for the County public and employees to utilize.
Dakota County IT proposes to replace the wireless network hardware with five years of licensing and support including:
• Indoor wireless access points (360): Indoor wireless access points allow employees and the public to connect to various resources whether on the County network or public Internet within County buildings.
• Outdoor wireless access points (22): Outdoor wireless access points allow Sheriff Deputies to upload vehicle camera footage and are used in parks allowing staff and/or the public to connect to various resources whether on the County network or public Internet.
Dakota County IT sought multiple quotes from the State Cooperative Contract for the proposed wireless equipment. Insight Public Sector, Inc. provided the lowest quote of $485,392.20 for the wireless equipment, support, and licensing. Other quotes received included Computer Discount Warehouse-Government (CDW-G) at $498,885.92 and Heartland Business at $504,685.74.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the Board authorize the Enterprise Finance and Information Services Director to purchase the network hardware from Insight Public Sector, Inc. for $485,392.20 to replace the wireless equipment, support, and licensing.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The $485,392.20 is included in the adopted 2024 Information Technology Capital Equipment Program budget.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, wireless networking equipment are crucial components which connect Dakota County locations, laptops and mobile devices to the core network resources and public entities to Internet resources; and
WHEREAS, replacing wireless networking equipment that is past the end of its lifecycle helps maintain reliability and availability of the wireless systems; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County received three quotes from the State Cooperative Contract for the wireless network equipment, support, and licensing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Enterprise Finance and Information Services Director to purchase the wireless network equipment from Insight Public Sector, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $485,392.20, 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
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Dan Cater
Author: Mike Agen