1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Juan Ibarra, Senior Management Analyst
MEETING DATE: June 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Purchase and Installation of Cisco Firewall Equipment at Multiple City-owned Locations
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the purchase and installation of Cisco Firewall equipment at multiple City-owned locations in an amount not to exceed $32,678.
BACKGROUND
The City currently has firewall cybersecurity equipment at five City-owned locations.
Firewalls protect the City’s network and block unsolicited traffic and unauthorized access to the City’s network, scans incoming traffic in real time, and stops malicious activity. The system of firewalls significantly enhances the security of the City’s cyber network and sensitive data.
DISCUSSION
The City’s current firewall equipment models across all locations are on the last year of their recommended life span. Firewall equipment is generally good for three to five years and replacing them every five years is standard Information Technology (IT) practice to protect our network against rapidly evolving cyber threats.
The City’s IT provider provided the City with three different options to address the outdated Firewall equipment.
The first option is to retain the current firewall equipment and renew the service for one year. This option is not recommended due to the age of the equipment and the potential exposure to cyber threats. The cost for this option is $5,029.94. The second option is to purchase and install new equipment through the current manufacturer, along with purchasing one-year service that provides hardware replacement if needed, software
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7h
2 updates, and technical troubleshooting. The cost for this option is $26.407.90. The last option is to purchase and install new equipment with a new manufacturer, Cisco, and include its one-year service plan for hardware replacement if needed, technical support, and advanced security services (malware protection, intrusion prevention). The cost for this option is $32,677.95.
Staff recommends the third option because Cisco provides superior network performance, enhanced security features, comprehensive support/services, and advanced threat intelligence to safeguard the City‘s network. If approved, the new firewall equipment will be installed at five City owned location.
FISCAL IMPACT
The purchase and installation of the Cisco firewalls will not exceed $32,678. Sufficient funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget to support this expenditure.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 1: Safety & Security - Keeping Lomita safe, prepared and resilient.
OPTIONS
1. Approve recommended action.
2. Provide staff with alternate direction.
ATTACHMENTS
1. LWE Quote Option 1 (Fortinet Renewal).
2. LWE Quote Option 2 (Purchase and Install Fortinet Equipment).
3. LWE Quote Option 3 (Purchase and Install Cisco Equipment).
Reviewed by: Approved by:
_______________________ ______________________
Lina Hernandez Andrew Vialpando
Assistant City Manager City Manager