TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Diego Chavez, Administrative Services Director
PREPARED BY: Diane Kohanyi, Management Analyst - IT
SUBJECT:
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Renewal of the SpamTitan Plus Cloud Email Protection Solution
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ABSTRACT
Following a cybersecurity incident in 2022, the City of Murrieta enhanced its cybersecurity program, including implementing the SpamTitan Plus Cloud email protection solution. The Information Technology Division (IT Division) is requesting approval to renew the service for an additional 36 months to continue protecting the City against phishing, spam, malware, and other email-based threats. The renewal supports the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture and is exempt from competitive bidding pursuant to Murrieta Municipal Code Section 3.08.280(I).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve a three (3) year subscription with Titan HQ in the amount not-to-exceed $35,380.80 for the SpamTitan Plus Cloud product and accept the Terms and Conditions;
Authorize exemption from current bidding requirements in accordance with Municipal Code Section 3.08.280.I; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute related orders, renewals, amendments, and administrative changes necessary to maintain service, provided the total cost does not exceed the approved budget authority.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with the City Council goal of: providing a high level of innovative public safety relating to an administrative priority. The City Departments' Top Projects List includes establishing a dedicated disaster recovery site to ensure continuity of operations in the event of a system failure or cyber incident.
DISCUSSION
In 2022, the City of Murrieta (City) suffered a cybersecurity incident that disrupted operations. Following this incident, the Information Technology Division (IT Division) made efforts to improve the City’s cybersecurity posture, procedures, systems, and responses to ensure that the City does not suffer a similar incident in the future. One of the key security solutions implemented as part of this effort is SpamTitan Plus Cloud email protection solution.
This product provides advanced email filtering and threat protection to safeguard the City’s email environment against phishing, malware, spam, and other email-based cyber threats. Phishing attacks remain one of the most common methods used by threat actors to obtain user credentials and gain unauthorized access to organizational networks. Continued use of SpamTitan Plus will enable the City to maintain a proactive and robust defense against these evolving threats.
On September 13, 2023, the City Manager approved a three-year renewal of SpamTitan Plus Cloud. As the current service approaches expiration, renewal is necessary to ensure uninterrupted protection and maintain the City’s high level of cybersecurity readiness. The IT Division is requesting approval to renew the SpamTitan Plus Cloud product for an additional 36-month term for a cost of $35,380.80 (Attachment 1). City Council approval is required now that the aggregate total for this service exceeds the City Manager’s purchasing authority.
Pursuant to City of Murrieta Municipal Code Section 3.08.280(I), acquisitions of information technology supplies, equipment, or services are exempt from the City’s standard competitive bidding requirements. Therefore, the proposed renewal may be processed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
PUBLIC NOTICING
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
CEQA AND REGULATORY OVERVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of this service is approximately $1.3104 per user per month for a 36-month term. The annual cost is $11,793.60, resulting in a total three-year contract cost of $35,380.80, which is unchanged from the previous three-year term. Funding for Fiscal Year 2026/27 is available in the adopted Operating Budget under IT Fund account 726830-62160. The IT Department will request funding for the remaining years of the contract as part of the biennial operating budget development process.
ATTACHMENTS
ATT 1 - Sales Order and Terms and Conditions