CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Agreement with MNJ Technologies for the Firewall Replacement
MEETING DATE: June 3, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Ross Sublett, Management Analyst I
REVIEWED BY: Michelle Sarkissian, Chief Information Officer APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year agreement with MNJ Technologies for Firewall Replacements pursuant to the Omnia Cooperative Agreement for a total not-to-exceed amount of $299,508.70 through June 2031; and
2. Approve and authorize this purchase utilizing Omnia No. 01-148 Cooperative Agreement pursuant to Menifee Municipal Code Section 3.12.210; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents required for this purchase and the Finance Department to issue corresponding purchase orders for the firewall purchase; and
4. Adopt a budget amendment resolution appropriating $299,508.70 from Information Technology’s fund balance into the project account.
DISCUSSION
To ensure the City’s digital operations remain secure and reliable, staff is recommending upgrading the City’s firewall systems. Firewalls act as the City’s first line of defense protecting networks, systems, and sensitive information from cyber threats. As technology evolves, these threats become more advanced, and it is important for the City to keep its security tools up to date.
The City’s current firewall equipment is approaching the end of its supported lifespan. Replacing this equipment before it expires is a standard, proactive business practice that helps reduce security risks, prevent system disruptions, and avoid increased maintenance costs. The proposed Firewall Upgrade (Project) would ensure the City can continue providing safe, reliable, and uninterrupted digital services to the public and its employees.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Menifee Firewall Replacement
June 3, 2026
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This Project is designed as a complete, all-inclusive solution to ensure reliable performance, smooth implementation, and consistent network security over the long term. It would replace outdated firewall equipment at City facilities where upgrades are needed. The Project includes the following:
• Hardware: Acquisition of firewall appliances.
• Security & Support: Security bundles for all units, along with premium technical support to ensure continuous operation and access to the latest threat intelligence. • Professional Implementation: To guarantee a seamless transition and optimal configuration, the contract includes professional implementation services and expert project management.
By bundling these requirements into a single five-year agreement for a one-time cost, the City locks in costs for the entire term, ensuring budget certainty. This investment provides a stable, long-term security posture that will remain fully supported through June 2031.
Pursuant to the City of Menifee Code of Ordinances Title 3.12.130(19), the acquisition of information technology equipment and services is exempt from standard bidding requirements, as selection is instead based on specific evaluation criteria to ensure the best value for the City.
Despite this exemption, City staff proactively solicited quotes from three different vendors utilizing cooperative purchasing agreements to demonstrate financial responsibility and ensure the City received the most competitive pricing. These results are summarized in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1 – FIREWALL QUOTES
Vendor Name Lowest Pricing Pricing Cooperative Agreement Number
MNJ Technologies x $299,508.70 OMNIA #01-148
Palo Alto $397,575.60 N/A
SHI $532,218.79 OMNIA #2024056-02
Following this evaluation, MNJ Technologies was selected for providing the lowest solicitation of $299,508.70 through the OMNIA No. 01-148 Cooperative Agreement. This proactive solicitation confirms that the selected solution offers the best value while maintaining the City's commitment to due diligence in its procurement.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Regular City Business
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact for the proposed contract with MNJ Technologies is in the total amount not-to- exceed $299,508.70. Funding for the proposed agreement would be appropriated into the FY 2025/2026 budget within the IT Fund in the One-Time Consulting, Hardware, and Software accounts (1110-ITD-652855, 1110-ITD-660010 & 1110-ITD-651353 respectively) out of available IT fund balance.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Menifee Firewall Replacement
June 3, 2026
3 3
1 1
ATTACHMENTS
1. MNJ Technologies - Firewall Quote
2. MNJ Technologies- Cooperative Agreement OMNIA #01-148
3. Budget Amendment Resolution – Fund 1110