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Board approves three-year managed cybersecurity contract with eCentire
Summary
The Inyo County Board of Supervisors approved a three-year managed security services contract with eCentire to consolidate endpoint, email and network defenses, add 24/7 monitoring and recovery support and realize estimated net savings. The vote was by voice; staff said the service includes onshore support and references from other California jurisdictions.
Inyo County formalized plans to upgrade its cybersecurity defenses on Feb. 11, approving a three‑year managed security services contract with vendor eCentire.
County Chief Information Officer Chand told the board the county faces three gaps: disconnected security tools with no single-pane-of-glass view, no 24/7 response capacity, and limited recovery expertise if systems are breached. "This is a cat and mouse game," he said, arguing the county needs a partner that can detect, respond and help recover from incidents around the clock.
Assistant Chief Information Officer Abi described the RFP process and the panel’s evaluation of 15 bids, recommending eCentire. Abi said the recommended contract would consolidate device, networking and security logs, provide a 24/7 Security Operations Center with onshore personnel and deliver services the county does not currently have. Staff presented a three‑year price of $90,314.50 per year and identified roughly $39,500 per year in avoided costs because the vendor’s package replaces and supersedes multiple existing contracts.
Supervisors asked about user impacts, the feasibility and comparative cost of staffing equivalent capabilities in‑house, and the vendor’s Canadian headquarters. Staff replied that eCentire maintains California operations and offered a binding quote; hiring an in‑house team would require multiple 24/7 shifts and senior cybersecurity specialists that typically command six‑figure salaries. County Risk Manager Aaron Holmberg added the county’s cyber insurance deductible is $50,000 and said preventing events can quickly offset the contract cost.
After board questions and a brief public comment, a motion to approve the staff recommendation carried on a voice vote. Staff were authorized to finalize and sign the contract with eCentire.
