Specific Explanation:
The Chief Information Officer recommends that City Council approve an ordinance to appropriate $1,141,000.00 from the Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (1800) for the second year of a two-year Next Generation Network Project for Houston Information Technology Services. This project is budgeted in the approved FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan adopted by the City Council.
The project description with allocation amount is as follows:
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PROJECT
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PROJECT NO.
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AMOUNT
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Next Generation Network
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X-680104*
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$1,141,000.00
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This planned Next Generation Network project, which is in the second year of a two-year project timeline, will enable the City to enhance and fortify its network infrastructure, resulting in more resilient and robust architecture. The City’s network is the vital link that digitally connects all 23 City departments to the City’s data centers, the internet, and cloud applications. This project will provide essential network equipment to ensure the continuity of operations, increased capacity, and enhanced security. Furthermore, this project will provide improved network performance across City sites, ensuring reliability and uptime without disrupting user productivity and incorporate advanced security features to further safeguard the City’s network. By modernizing this critical backbone, this project will help maintain reliable City services, improve efficiency, and minimize disruptions. HITS will leverage the existing enterprise CISCO contracts for the purchase of hardware, licensing, support, maintenance, and professional services.
Fiscal Note:
No significant Fiscal Operating impact is anticipated because of these projects.
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Lisa Kent, Chief Information Officer
Houston Information Technology Services