County to spend $272,445 from cybersecurity grant to upgrade network equipment

The Grand Forks County Commission unanimously approved awarding a contract to High Point Networks for $272,445 to upgrade network equipment across county buildings, using funds from a cybersecurity grant.

The IT director told commissioners the approved grant total is $386,000, with roughly 80% federal funding, 4.55% state funding and a 15.45% county share already set aside in capital improvements. The RFP was posted on the county website and two vendors attended the mandatory walkthrough; one compliant proposal was submitted and one proposal was excluded for using an unapproved equipment brand.

"We're recommending moving forward with the project and awarding to High Point Networks for $272,445," the IT director said, and commissioners voted to approve the recommendation.

Project scheduling was described as tentative with an aggressive January through March 2026 timeline; the grant deadline cited in the meeting record was Nov. 30 (year not specified). County staff will execute contract signatures and proceed with procurement.