DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Audio and Video (AV) Equipment and Installation Services for the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC)
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes a contract with Digital Display Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $227,030.40 to provide audio and video equipment and installation services to support the centralized security functions at the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC). Funding for the first phase to include the ARSOC operations audio visual buildout in the amount of $153,459.64 is available through the Information Technology Services Department Capital Budget. Funding for the second phase to include the cyber range integration of all displays in conjunction with the ARSOC operations audio visual buildout in the amount of $73,570.76 is available from the 2020 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In June 2020, City Council approved Ordinances 2020-06-18-0417 and 2020-06-18-0418 which allowed the City to enter into a lease and funding agreement respectively for the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC). An amendment to the funding agreement was subsequently approved in March 2021 through Ordinance 2021-03-18-0180. The City’s vision for the ARSOC is for a centralized security operations facility to provide real-time, collaborative, cyber-security information sharing among municipally owned entities in the San Antonio Area.
The ARSOC will provide a 24x7 operational facility committed to protecting San Antonio’s infrastructure and critical systems from threats using advanced and emerging technology, developing public-private partnerships in support of cyber security, collaborative skills development, and regular training exercises for regional municipal organizations. The ARSOC will allow the San Antonio region to monitor, train, defend and respond together to cybersecurity threats facing the community and become the model Urban Cyber Security Center of Excellence. The ARSOC will create a physical environment and virtual partnerships that bridges education, training, critical infrastructure defense and continuity of government operations. The establishment of the ARSOC will signal San Antonio’s dedicated focus to becoming a national leader in cybersecurity.
The first phase of this contract with Digital Display Solutions, Inc. will fulfill the Audio and Visual (AV) Equipment and Installation requirements for operations within the ARSOC. The equipment will enhance the ability to disseminate information throughout the facility or to limited/specific locations when required. This will allow teams to share information to any locations as needed. The availability for sharing information with various locations also allows for the cyber range training to be flexible and distributed throughout the ARSOC facility.
The second phase of the contract will allow for the integration of all displays out of the cyber range training location which is part of the ARSOC cyber mutual aid concept. By teaching and training the various partners in cyber security/threat hunting, the City increases its partners’ capabilities, knowledge and ultimately the City of San Antonio’s security posture.
The City issued a Request for Offer (RFO) for “Audio Visual Equipment for the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC)” (RFO, 6100014015) on May 12, 2021 with a submission deadline of May 14, 2021. The offer submitted by Digital Display Solutions, Inc., is in accordance with TIPS Contract # 200904. The term of the agreement shall begin upon approval of the contract by City Council and expire upon completion and acceptance by the City.
This purchase is made through The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Cooperative Program passed on Ordinance 2009-12-10-1002, Dated 12/10/2009.
ISSUE:
This contract will provide audio and video equipment and installation to support the centralized security functions at the ARSOC. The ARSOC is a collaborative work and partnership providing cyber security information in a cyber mutual aid concept. Collectively, the City of San Antonio can be better protected when our partners and surrounding communities are protected and working collaboratively through this partnership.
This contract is within the scope of the SBEDA Program. However, due to lack of available firms and/or subcontracting opportunities, the Goal Setting Committee was unable to apply a SBEDA tool to this contract.
This contract is an exception to the Local Preference Program.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Preference Program does not apply to non-professional service contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this contract not be approved, the City will not be able to outfit the ARSOC with critical AV and cyber range training equipment without a significant delay. The timing of the installation component of this contract will be closely coordinated with the general contractor. It is critical to have this installation completed in parallel with the continued buildout at the ARSOC for a centralized security operations facility to provide real-time, collaborative, cyber-security information sharing among municipally owned entities in the San Antonio Area.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes a contract with Digital Display Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $227,030.40, to provide audio and video equipment and installation to support the centralized security functions at the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC). Funding for the first phase to include the ARSOC operations audio visual buildout in the amount of $153,459.64 is available through the Information Technology Services Department Capital Budget, funding for the second phase to include the cyber range integration of all displays in conjunction with the ARSOC operations audio visual buildout in the amount of $73,570.76 is available from the 2020 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of this contract with Digital Display Solutions, Inc. in the estimated amount of $227,030.40 to provide audio and video equipment and installation to support the centralized security functions at the ARSOC.
This contract is procured based on cooperative purchasing and a Contracts Disclosure Form is not required.