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VICTOR VALLEY WASTEWATER RECLAMATION AUTHORITY Board Of Commissioners Staff Report |
| TO: | VVWRA Board of Commissioners |
| FROM: | Darron Poulsen, General Manager |
| SUBMITTED BY: | Latif Laari, Environmental Compliance Manager |
| DATE: | 01/29/2026 |
| SUBJECT: | Recommendation to Authorize the General Manager to Approve a Sole-source Purchase of Fortinet WIFI Components for The WIFI Upgrade Project From Netgain Networks, Inc., in the amount of $81,470.37.
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| Fiscal Impact | Yes |
| Account Code: | 01-02-545-8025-9999 |
| Funds Budgeted/ Approved: | Yes |
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the General Manager to approve a sole-source purchase of Fortinet WiFi components for the WiFi Upgrade Project from Netgain Networks, Inc., in the amount of $81,470.37
PREVIOUS ACTION(S)
None
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
VVWRA's existing Wi-Fi infrastructure consists of Ubiquity equipment that was installed approximately 15 years ago. This legacy system has become obsolete and no longer meets the operational and cybersecurity requirements of VVWRA. The primary concern with the current Ubiquity network is its incompatibility with VVWRA's recently upgraded network infrastructure. In 2020, VVWRA upgraded its firewall and network switches to Fortinet solutions to enhance cybersecurity, reliability, and performance. The existing Ubiquity Wi-Fi system does not integrate effectively with these Fortinet devices, creating operational challenges and limiting the full benefits of the firewall and switch upgrades.
Operational Benefits of Modern Wi-Fi at Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Reliable and secure Wi-Fi connectivity plays a critical role in supporting modern wastewater treatment operations. Up-to-date wireless infrastructure enables:
Upgrading to Fortinet Wi-Fi components will:
The total project cost is $81,470.37 (Exhibit 1), which includes the Fortinet Wi-Fi components and associated equipment necessary for implementation.
Sole-Source Justification
Netgain Networks, Inc. has been selected as the sole-source vendor for this project due to its expertise with Fortinet solutions and its established relationship with VVWRA. This approach streamlines procurement, ensures compatibility verification, and supports continuity of network management. (Exhibit 2)
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the General Manager to approve a sole-source purchase of Fortinet WiFi components for the WiFi Upgrade Project from Netgain Networks, Inc., in the amount of $81,470.37
Operational Benefits of Modern Wi-Fi at Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Reliable and secure Wi-Fi connectivity plays a critical role in supporting modern wastewater treatment operations. Up-to-date wireless infrastructure enables:
- Field mobility and remote access for operators, maintenance staff, and instrumentation technicians using tablets or handheld devices to view SCADA dashboards, enter inspection data, or review SOPs in real time.
- Enhanced communication and safety through better connectivity for mobile radios, alarms, and emergency notification systems across plant areas.
- Integration with smart instrumentation and IoT devices, supporting data collection from sensors, analyzers, and equipment that communicate via wireless protocols.
- Improved efficiency and responsiveness for troubleshooting, as staff can access live system information without returning to control rooms.
- Support for future technology expansion, such as wireless surveillance cameras, asset tracking, and condition monitoring systems.
Upgrading to Fortinet Wi-Fi components will:
- Provide seamless integration with the existing Fortinet firewall and switch infrastructure
- Ensure unified network management and security policies across all wireless access points
- Improve system reliability and performance
- Enable modern security protocols and monitoring capabilities
- Support the Authority's operational and technical requirements
The total project cost is $81,470.37 (Exhibit 1), which includes the Fortinet Wi-Fi components and associated equipment necessary for implementation.
Sole-Source Justification
Netgain Networks, Inc. has been selected as the sole-source vendor for this project due to its expertise with Fortinet solutions and its established relationship with VVWRA. This approach streamlines procurement, ensures compatibility verification, and supports continuity of network management. (Exhibit 2)
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the General Manager to approve a sole-source purchase of Fortinet WiFi components for the WiFi Upgrade Project from Netgain Networks, Inc., in the amount of $81,470.37