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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Ram Tyagi, Chief Information Officer
Jeff Anderson, Deputy Chief Information Officer
Mark Taghap, Chief Information Security Officer
DATE: July 13, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the purchase of one year of Fortinet’s Forticare supported security services to Worldcom Exchange, Inc.
PURPOSE:
This resolution is requesting technical services on the City-owned Fortinet firewalls.
BACKGROUND:
The City's firewall is one of the most important cybersecurity systems protecting our network, data, and public services. Similar to how security personnel monitor who enters and exits a building, the firewall monitors and controls digital traffic entering and leaving the City's network. It helps prevent cybercriminals, malware, ransomware, and other unauthorized activity from reaching City systems.
FortiCare is the manufacturer's support and maintenance service for the City's Fortinet firewalls. Maintaining this support is critical because it provides:
• 24/7 Technical Support
• Security Updates and Threat
• Software and Firmware
• Rapid Response During Emergencies
• Protection of Critical City Services
DISCUSSION:
The City of Aurora’s Information Technology Department recommends awarding the annual Fortinet FortiCare supported security services to Worldcom Exchange, Inc (WEI) in the amount of $90,296.43. IT brings this item forth annually for approval to ensure the continued maintenance, reliability, and vendor support of this critical systems.
WEI is a technology solutions provider that delivers information technology products, services, and support to public and private sector organizations, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, communications, and data center infrastructure. WEI operates a 24x7x365 Network Operations Center (NOC) staffed by technical professionals who continuously monitor and support critical systems to help identify and respond to issues before they impact operations. For the City, WEI serves as a trusted technology partner that helps ensure essential technology services remain secure, reliable, and available to support the delivery of public services.
The proposed purchase will be made through the OMNIA Partners which is a national cooperative purchasing program, utilizing a competitively solicited and publicly awarded contract that provides competitively negotiated pricing and satisfies cooperative purchasing requirements. The OMNIA contract number is 01-154.
Funds are available in Account Number # 101-1280-419.38-26 to pay for this purchase.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Maintaining support and maintenance on City-owned firewalls ensures the City's primary cybersecurity defenses remain updated against emerging cyber threats and that expert assistance is available when critical issues arise. This investment helps protect taxpayer-funded technology systems while ensuring the continuity and reliability of City operations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request approval to adopt the proposed resolution.
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the purchase of one year of manufacturer-supported security services in the amount of $90,296.43 to Worldcom Exchange, Inc.
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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 requires continuous support, updates, and maintenance for its network firewalls to ensure optimal performance, protect against evolving cybersecurity threats, and maintain uninterrupted business; and
WHEREAS, City IT staff wishes to reduce risk and costs while maintaining a high-performing City-wide network; and
WHEREAS, Worldcom Exchange, Inc is a technology solutions provider and an authorized reseller of Fortinet; and
WHEREAS, purchase World Exchange, Inc will be made through the OMNIA Partners, Public Sector (OMNIA) Contract number 01-154; 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 the purchase order for services described in this resolution and as more fully set forth in the document attached hereto.