HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10m - Purchase of Core Network Switching Equipment
STAFF REPORT
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: August 19, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Henry Chen, Administrative Services Director
By: Wilson Luo, Information Technology Manager
SUBJECT: PURCHASE ORDER WITH RESILIENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. FOR THE
PURCHASE OF CORE NETWORK SWITCHING EQUIPMENT FROM CISCO
SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,000
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
The Arcadia Police Department relies on core network switches to manage all their
network traffic, including communications and data transmissions. Installed in 2016,
these switches will reach end-of-life this October, and without ongoing support or
security updates from Cisco, their failure could significantly disrupt police computer
operations.
Using a cooperative agreement under the California Multiple Award Schedule
(“CMAS”) EC America Contract #3-22-10-1065, with Resilient Communications, Inc.,
the network switches needed for the Police Department can be acquired. Resilient
Communications, Inc. is an authorized dealer and contracted reseller for Cisco
System Corporation under the Cooperative Agreement. It is recommended that the
City Council authorize a Purchase Order in the amount of $67,000 for replacement
of the Police Department’s core network switches.
DISCUSSION
Core network switches are considered the main component of the Arcadia Police
Department’s network infrastructure, through which all traffic is routed.
Communication data, including application data files, email messages, and voice and
Purchase Order for Core Network Switching Equipment
August 19, 2025
Page 2 of 3
data transmissions, are handled by these switches. The four core switches currently
deployed are Cisco Catalyst 3850’s, which were purchased in 2016 and are scheduled
to reach the end of their useful life this October. Once the support for these switches
ends, the City will no longer receive phone support, software updates, or any new
security patches. Additionally, the City will no longer receive emergency hardware
replacement coverage from Cisco. The end of support from Cisco increases the risk
of network disruptions, and the failure of this critical equipment could have a
significant impact on the network, causing downtime on police computer operations
that are relying on the switches.
A lead time of approximately one month is anticipated for the delivery of the new
equipment. Following delivery, a one-week period will be required by Arcadia’s IT
team for setup, pre-testing, and configuration of the new switches. With the new
switches, bandwidth capacity will be increased tenfold. In addition to the speed
increase, the new core switches will also support enhanced security features. For
example, the new switches would support the Stateful feature, which helps the
network make smarter decisions about which traffic to allow or block, based on the
overall status of ongoing communication, rather than just looking at individual data
packets. TrustSec is another security upgrade on the new core switches that lets the
network be divided into smaller, secure sections. TrustSec uses special tags to
organize network traffic and enforce rules about who can access what. These
updates will make the City’s network more secure and improve the performance of
existing systems—such as body camera video uploads and officer access to cloud-
based data storage. In addition, this will establish the foundation for future
enhancements, including the potential of providing live incident data to officers.
The California Government Code permits public agencies to participate in
cooperative purchasing agreements, while adhering to the City’s rules and
regulations for purchasing. Through participation in the cooperative program under
the CMAS EC America contract with Resilient Communications, Inc., the procurement
process is streamlined, and the best possible pricing is obtained by leveraging
collective purchasing power to achieve cost savings.
Replacing the aging core network switches is a critical step in maintaining the
reliability, security, and performance of our network infrastructure. Upgrading to
new, high-capacity switches will enhance system performance and prepare the City
for future technological advancements.
Purchase Order for Core Network Switching Equipment
August 19, 2025
Page 3 of 3
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it can be seen with certainty that it will have
no impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for the proposed replacement of the core switches is estimated to be
$67,000. Sufficient funds have been budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Equipment
Replacement Fund for this purchase. The cost of the core switches includes an
annual hardware warranty and technical support directly from Cisco.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve a
Purchase Order with Resilient Communications, Inc. for the purchase of core network
switching equipment from Cisco Systems, in the amount of $67,000.