For City Council Meeting April 28, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Kevin Johnston, IT Manager
Title
Request City Council to: (1) Authorize a Purchase Order with Nth Generation in an Amount Not to Exceed $475,000 for Four Cisco 9000 Series Switches and Two Palo Alto 3420 Firewalls and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute all Related Documents.
(ACTION)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council:
1) Authorize the procurement of two Palo Alto PA-3420 Next Generation Firewalls and four Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches to replace the City’s existing core network infrastructure; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all related documents.
BACKGROUND
As of January 2026, the core network switches that serve as the backbone of the City’s network stopped receiving software and security updates. Similarly, the City’s firewalls, which provide security, resiliency, and connectivity inside and outside the City’s network, will stop receiving software and security updates in less than a year. Although devices can function without updates, cybersecurity best practices recommend replacing any hardware that no longer receives security updates. Without these crucial components, internet and Wi-Fi connectivity would be unavailable, office phones across all City facilities would cease to function, and cybersecurity threats like malware and ransomware would pose significantly greater risk. In anticipation of this, staff have conducted thorough research to find a modern solution that can effectively replace the aging equipment.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Staff analyzed network bandwidth over the course of multiple months, compared equipment from different vendors, and consulted with other California municipalities on equipment reliability and satisfaction. As a result, staff recommends the City Council approve the purchase of two Palo Alto PA-3420 Next Generation Firewalls and four Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches. These upgrades would allow for a simpler network design, simpler network management, enhanced network security, and room for growth as the City’s technology needs change in the coming five to seven years. Additionally, this purchase would include maintenance, software licensing, and premium manufacturer support for five years.
Staff intend to procure through Nth Generation Computing, Inc. Staff also intend to utilize the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) agreement (7-17-70-40-05). This agreement ensures that competitive pricing for these items has been secured by a cooperative purchasing agreement made between the State of California and Carahsoft Technology Corporation.
This cooperative purchasing program assists local governments in reducing costs by capitalizing on bulk purchasing power and pre-established competitive bids. Pursuant to the provisions of the City’s Purchasing Ordinance, Section 2.48.210, “Cooperative Purchasing Programs”, the City Council may authorize the acquisition through joint powers or other cooperative purchasing program.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposal is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with the City of Rialto’s General Plan Guiding Principle 3, “Rialto’s Economic Environment is Healthy and Diverse.” Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
There is no impact on the FY 2025-26 Operating Budget. Future costs associated with Maintenance and Support renewals will be included in subsequent annual budgets, subject to Council approval and funding availability.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
The proposed action is included in the City's FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Budget. Expenditures are currently appropriated and available in Capital Projects Fund, Account No. 33002152-53001, in an amount not to exceed $475,000. No new appropriation is required.
Licensing
This action does not require a business license.
Attachments:
1. Quote from Nth Generation Computing for 4 Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches, including required licensing, peripherals, and support.
2. Quote from Nth Generation Computing for 2 Palo Alto 3420 Next Generation Firewalls, including required licensing, peripherals, and support.