City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2024 FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: TRAINING VOUCHERS FROM SANS INSTITUTE FOR CYBERSECURITY TO ASSIST RIVERSIDE URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) REGIONAL PARTNERS USING UASI FY2020 GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $175,000 ISSUE:
Approve the purchase of training vouchers from SANS Institute of North Bethesda, Maryland in the amount $175,000, to assist the Riverside Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Regional Partners in Cybersecurity.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents associated with the training vouchers with SANS Institute of North Bethesda, Maryland in the amount of $175,000 to provide cybersecurity training to existing information technology staff within the Riverside UASI region including but not limited to applications, payment requests, agreements, and amendments necessary to secure funds and implement the approved grant projects, and making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
The Department Homeland Security (DHS) offers the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program to enhance regional preparedness high-threat, high-density areas and provides funding opportunities every fiscal year to address the unique multi-discipline planning, operations, equipment, and training needs to these areas as it relates to terrorism prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.
On February 2, 2021, the City Council approved acceptance of the FY 2020 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) in the amount of $2,894,500.00, for regional training activities, equipment, staff salaries, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program materials, and Office of Emergency Management Critical Infrastructure Assessment program.
DISCUSSION:
The Riverside Fire Department is seeking to enhance cybersecurity by assisting jurisdictions within the Urban Area to include the registrar of voters in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for further analysis of cyber security vulnerabilities, assist with response and planning efforts. This investment will offer cyber security training to existing information technology staff at jurisdictions including election information technology staff. The cost per tuition voucher is $7,430 as of January 2024. Total training vouchers will be provided based on the available budget, which is approximately 23 students trained. Training is conducted Online by SANS Institute.
Per Purchasing Resolution No. 23914, Section 702 (c) states that “Exceptions. Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances: (c) When the Procurement can only be obtained from a sole source and the Manager is satisfied that the best price, terms and conditions for the Procurement thereof have been negotiated.” The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommended actions comply with Purchasing Resolution No. 23914, Section 702 (c).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority No. 2 Community Well-Being and Goal No. 2.6 – Strengthen community preparedness for emergencies to ensure effective response and recovery.
This item aligns with Each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant has increased the capabilities and capacities of our first responder departments and emergency management agencies for over a decade increasing community trust in our emergency response efforts.
Equity – Funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security help the region plan and equip departments to respond to our diverse community including those with access and functional needs.
Fiscal Responsibility – The use of the Department of Homeland Security grant funding increases the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Area’s capability and capacity to plan for, train for, exercise and respond to emergencies and cyber incidents within the region through training classes.
Innovation – The Riverside Fire Department- Office of Emergency Management’s manages the Riverside Urban Area Security Initiative by bringing regional partners on board to build innovative capabilities throughout the two-county region.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The proposed purchase will provide enhanced resiliency of regional cyber systems through training of partner information technology staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of the action is $175,000. Sufficient funds are budgeted and available in the UASI Fund expenditure accounts as listed in the table below.
Fund
Program
Account
Amount
UASI
UASI-Riverside – Critical Infrastructure
9171310-440452
$60,000
UASI-Riverside – Homeland Security
9171310-440454
$115,000
Total
$175,000
Prepared by: Mark Annas, Emergency Services Administrator Approved by: Michael D. Moore, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra Norton, City Attorney
Attachments:
Sole Source
SANS Institute Vouchers ● Page 2