The agency is purchasing Pulse Secure licenses and services as an Emergency Procurement under Section 3 of the Governor’s order. These licenses allow agency staff to perform their duties while accessing the agency’s network securely from their home. This allows state employees to continue to provide the services required by our clients while reducing the number of staff in state owned buildings. Social distancing is a proven defense against the spread of the Covid 19 virus. SCDMH is performing this upgrade for the safety and welfare of the employees performing these duties during this time of crisis. The price of $115,599.74 is deemed fair and reasonable.