cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Ram Tyagi, CIO
Jeff Anderson, Deputy CIO
DATE: August 25, 2025
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting approval of a one-year support contract for City network firewalls in the amount of $65,426.03.
PURPOSE:
This resolution is requesting continuation of the support contract on the City-owned Fortinet firewalls.
BACKGROUND:
After a competitive bidding process, Resolution R21-136 awarded the city's Network Infrastructure Managed Services to Scientel Solutions.
The Scientel agreement approved in R21-136 also includes network design, planning, procurement, monitoring and installation of devices. This agreement was approved as a three-year term with optional two 1-year extensions upon mutual consent. The optional first year was offered and accepted in March 2024.
Resolution R24-034 approved added city firewalls to the contract approved by R21-136. At the time of the approval of R21-136 it was unknown how many firewalls would remain on the newly designed unified network. These networks were redesigned and merged into one cohesive, secure network. Adding the new Fortinet firewalls to the contract approved by R21-136 ensures each firewall device is covered along with all other network devices is cost-effective for the City
A network firewall is a security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, like the internet. By filtering traffic, it helps prevent unauthorized access and potential threats from reaching your network while allowing legitimate communication to pass through. Firewalls can also be configured to protect against various types of cyber threats and attacks.
DISCUSSION:
Scientel’s solution offered an efficient, cost-effective, and risk-reducing approach for the City to remove costly, legacy network equipment while designing and deploying a more efficient network.
Scientel’s global headquarters based locally in Aurora, IL is home to a 24x7x365 Network Operations Center (NOC) with a world-class dispatch process. Scientel has integrated all City networking equipment into Scientel’s 24x7 NOC for monitoring to ensure that all networking equipment is operating effectively
As defined in the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, a Certified Transcript of Payroll will be provided to the City for all applicable work completed within this program.
Funds are available in Account Number # 101-1280-419.38-26 to pay for this purchase.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
As part of the City of Aurora Technology Strategic Plan or “IT Roadmap”, the Information Technology Department is seeking to evaluate and improve efficiencies throughout the organization. This purchase is aligned with the Strategic Plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request approval to adopt the proposed resolution.
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution requesting approval of a one-year support contract for City network firewalls in the amount of $65,426.03.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora's Network Infrastructure is managed by the IT Department and Scientel through a network managed service provider agreement; and
WHEREAS, City IT staff wishes to reduce risk and costs while maintaining a high-performing City-wide network; and
WHEREAS, Resolution R21-136 awarded Network Infrastructure Managed Services to Scientel Solutions LLC; and
WHEREAS, Scientel has performed admirably during the contract; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in Account Number # 101-1280-419.38-26.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders for services described in this resolution and as more fully set forth in the contract attached hereto.