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Board approves district firewall purchase after competitive bids; administration to seek E-rate reimbursement
Summary
Board approved a $81,191 contract with Wally Computer Associates to replace seven aging network firewalls and accepted a one-year subscription for updates and support; administration said the purchase is eligible for e-rate reimbursement (up to ~40%).
The Timberlane Regional School District awarded a contract to Wally Computer Associates for $81,191 to replace seven district firewalls and to provide a one‑year subscription for updates and overnight replacement service.
Technology staff explained the procurement: the district sought equivalent firewall hardware and support; five vendors responded, and the lowest qualifying bid was Wally Computer Associates at $81,191. Staff said the hardware and the first‑year subscription would be paid up front by the district and the district would pursue e‑rate program reimbursement that can cover a substantial portion (staff estimated up to 40%) of eligible costs.
Technology staff said the annual subscription for security updates and support will be about $15,000 in future years. Board members asked whether all quotes were for the same make and model; staff confirmed the qualifying bidders offered equivalent SonicWall hardware and comparable service. One bidder was excluded for not meeting bid requirements.
Member Bree moved approval of the Wally Computer Associates proposal; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Administration will proceed to purchase hardware, register for e‑rate reimbursement and return with updates on timing and reimbursement status.
