TO: Communication, Technology and Information Systems Committee
FROM: Chris Sternal, Director of IT
SUBJECT:
title
Award of Contract to CDWG for the Renewal of Barracuda Cloud Data Protection Services
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet has utilized Barracuda services since 2014 to support email archiving and Microsoft 365 data protection. As the City’s data protection needs have evolved, Barracuda has expanded its offerings to include cloud-native backup, archiving, and identity protection services. The 2026 renewal reflects a shift in product mix to better align with current operational and compliance requirements.
The proposed renewal includes:
• Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup Service: Comprehensive backup and recovery for Microsoft 365 data including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams.
• Barracuda Cloud Archiving Service: Secure, immutable cloud-based email archiving for compliance and e-discovery.
• Barracuda Data Protect Entra ID Backup: Backup for Entra ID components such as users, groups, roles, and authentication policies.
• Barracuda Data Protect Entra ID Backup Premium: Enhanced protection and recovery capabilities for Entra ID.
CONCLUSION:
Barracuda continues to be a critical component of the City’s IT infrastructure, enabling secure data retention, rapid recovery, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The expanded services in the 2026 renewal provide broader protection across cloud platforms and identity systems, ensuring continuity and resilience in the City’s operations.
This renewal is structured as a three-year agreement with equal annual payments. The total contract amount is $239,976.00, with payments distributed as follows:
|
Year |
Annual Payment |
|
2026 |
$79,992.00 |
|
2027 |
$79,992.00 |
|
2028 |
$79,992.00 |
To ensure competitive pricing, the Barracuda solution will be purchased using the Sourcewell - State of IL R-257160 contract.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinance states that purchases over $25,000 may be awarded without written specifications under certain circumstances. Three (3) of these circumstances apply:
1. (b) Purchases for additions to and repairs and maintenance of equipment owned by the city which may be more efficiently added to, repaired or maintained by a certain person;
2. (f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the mayor and city council;
3. (g) Purchases of professional services.
Sufficient funds exist utilizing the IT Infrastructure Contractual Services Budget (Org 04013000, Object 524200, $79,992.00 annually for three years).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
It is recommended that this item be forwarded to City Council with a recommendation to approve.
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