Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for F5 Big-IP software and maintenance to manage network traffic and application security for Austin Technology Services with Netsync Network Solutions, Inc., for an initial term of three years in an estimated amount of $930,000 with up to two one-year extension options each in variable amounts for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,900,000. Funding: $255,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Technology Services. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Technology Services.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $255,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Technology Services.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Multiple cooperative purchase programs were reviewed for these services. Austin Financial Services has determined this contractor best meets the needs of Austin Technology Services to provide these services required for the City.
MBE/WBE:
Cooperative Agreement contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract is for the continued use of the F5 Big-IP traffic management operating system. The software is a set of networking and security tools that balance traffic across multiple servers, preventing any single server from becoming overloaded and keeping applications fast, available, and secure. It automatically routes users around failed systems, inspects and protects application traffic from attacks, and provides secure access to applications.
The contract will replace an existing contract which expires January 1, 2027. The requested authorization is based on departmental estimates of future needs. The recommended contractor is the current provider of this software.
Cooperative associations, themselves or using a lead government, competitively solicit and award contracts that are eligible for use by other qualified state and local governments. Due to their substantial volumes, larger than any one government could achieve independently, cooperative contracts routinely include superior terms, conditions, and pricing. Use of cooperative contracts also results in lower administrative costs and time savings.
If this request is not approved, network security and server balancing services may be unavailable, and network speed could degrade leaving the system vulnerable to attack by external actors.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
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Initial Term |
3 years |
$930,000 |
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Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$440,000 |
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Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$530,000 |
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Total |
5 years |
$1,900,000 |
Note: Contract authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage and may be more or less in the initial term and in each exercised optional extension; however, the total contract amount will not exceed $1,900,000.