Notice of Intent to Direct Award - FortiGuard Enterprise Protection Services for two FortiGate 600F Firewall Hardware Units

File: 1220-2024-3366 – FortiGuard Enterprise Protection Services

Notice of Intent to Award a Contract

Notice is hereby given that the City of Abbotsford (the “City”) is contemplating making a direct award of a contract to IT Blueprint Solutions Inc (VAR that sold us the Firewall Hardware) (the “Service Provider”) for the following:
• FortiGuard Enterprise Protection Services for two FortiGate 600F Firewall Hardware Units
The contract will be for five (5) years from September 16, 2024 to September 14, 2029 and the contract amount for the five years is up to a maximum of $187,500.00 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Background
The City purchased two FortiGate 600F firewall hardware units which are essential to maintaining the security and functionality of the City’s primary firewalls, which operate in high availability to protect the City’s network. FortiGuard Enterprise Protection services are required to maintain the effective operation of the City’s primary firewalls. No other manufacturer’s services are compatible with this existing equipment. Without renewing FortiGuard Enterprise Protection, the firewalls would be unable to perform their security functions, resulting in potential costs and risks associated with transitioning to a new solution, including new hardware, software and integration efforts. At the time of firewall purchase, the City did not purchase additional years of FortiGuard Services support.

The current two FortiGate 600F hardware units have an estimated remaining lifespan of 5 years. Thus, a five-year support agreement is appropriate. This renewal ensures continuous protection and operational stability while offering a more economical solution, mitigating the risk of price increases over time.

Scope of Services or Specifications
• Renewal of FortiGuard Enterprise Protection Services support.

Rationale for Contemplating a Direct Award
• To ensure continuity of support and maintain the effective operation of the City’s primary firewalls and avoid any business operational disruptions due to a transition or change to a new solution, including new hardware, software, and integration efforts.
• Without renewing FortiGuard
Enterprise Protection, the firewalls would be unable to perform their security functions, resulting in potential costs and security risks.
• The City intends to prepare solicitation documents to issue to market in 2029.

Contract Value:
The total value of the contract is expected not to exceed $187,500.00 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Submission of Objection Notice
Any Respondents that still wish to object to this decision they should email their objection to the attention of Sailesh Kapadia, Buyer III, Procurement Services at https://abbotsford.bidsandtenders.ca by August 22, 2024 no later than 2:00 p.m. local time.

Submissions by other methods will not be accepted.

Respondents objecting must outline specific reasons for their objection in their email as well as demonstrate their ability to perform the contemplated work and/or services and show availability and resources. The Respondent’s ability to provide goods and services of the same or better quality and price and within the required period will be the key criteria used in the consideration of any Respondent’s objections.