HCPS FL Logo Information and Technology
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 19, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Subscription of IBOSS Internet Content Filtering Solution from Phantom Technologies, Inc. (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In order to receive funds from the federal E-rate program, our district is required to meet the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).  CIPA requires the district to maintain an Internet content filter to monitor and block access to inappropriate Internet web pages.

Websense software was originally provided by the Florida Department of Education through the Florida Information Resources Network (FIRN) for content filtering.   Beginning in July 2010, FIRN's funding was reduced and school districts were required to start paying for the software. 

In June 2011, the School Board approved the license for Websense content filtering software through the KPaul Corporation for the 2011-2012 school year.   The Websense solution cost is based on the number of devices that access the Internet from the district’s network.  The cost escalated as the number of workstations increased, especially with the proliferation of wireless devices.   

In July 2012, the district began piloting the IBOSS Enterprise 14500 solution from Phantom Technologies to replace Websense at a lower cost.  Thus far the pilot has been successful.  Approving this agenda item will extend the pilot for the remainder of the fiscal year and avoid interrupting Internet access during the online testing periods.  This will provide time for the district to competitively bid a longer-term, cost effective solution.

Acquiring software directly from Phantom Technologies, Inc. is in accordance with Florida Department of Education Purchasing Rule 6A-1.012(14). Information Technology, as defined in Section 282.0041(15), F.S., is exempt from the competitive solicitation process and acquisitions may be made by direct negotiation and contract with a vendor or supplier, as best fits the needs of the school district as determined by the School Board.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The IBOSS subscription cost is $48,750.  The result is an annual savings of approximately $65,000.  This expense is included in the Information Services budget.
EVALUATION
Internet Content Filtering solution is reviewed annually to confirm that it provides the functionality required to meet the district goals and objectives in a cost effective manner.
SUBMITTED BY:  Richard E. Laneau, Jr. Data Center Manager, Information Services
David J. Steele, Ph.D.   Gretchen Saunders
Chief Information and Technology Officer, Director of Empowering Effective Teachers
(813) 272-4600
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130219_554 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.06