26_020 ERATE RFP CABLING.docx

HOUSTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

For Cabling and Fiber

RFP NUMBER 26-020

For all questions about this RFP contact via email:

L. Renee Langston CPPB, Issuing Officer PH. - 478-988-6211 ext. 4

FAX – 478-988-6212

EMAIL – renee.langston@hcbe.net

RELEASED ON:

January 9, 2026

DUE ON:

February 09, 2026; 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Procurement

The Houston County School District, hereafter referred to as the “District,” is requesting proposals to upgrade cabling at (2) instructional facilities from Cat 5 to Cat 6a.

1.2 Proposal Certification

The Houston County School District certifies the use of competitive sealed bidding will not be practical or advantageous to the District in completing the acquisition described in this RFP. Competitive sealed proposals will be submitted in response to this RFP. All proposals submitted pursuant to this request will be made in accordance with the provisions of this RFP.

1.3 Schedule of Events

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule:

01/09/2026

Release of RFP

02/09/2026

Proposals due

03/10/2026

Intent to Contract Award

7/1/2026

Work Eligible to Start

1.4 Restrictions on Communications with Staff

All questions about this RFP shall be submitted in the following format:

Company Name

Questions shall be directed in writing to the Issuing Officer: renee.langston@hcbe.net Fax: 478-988-6212

From the issue date of this RFP until a Vendor is selected and the selection is announced, Offerors are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any District staff except through the Issuing Officer named herein, or during the Offeror's conference, or as provided by existing work agreement(s). The District reserves the right to reject the proposal of any Offeror violating this provision. All questions concerning this RFP shall be submitted in writing (fax or email may be used) to the Issuing Officer. No questions other than written will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon the District. Questions and answers will be posted to the HCSD website as they are received. Website address is http://www.hcbe.net/purchasing

1.5 Definition of Terms

District – Houston County School District Contractor – Respondent to this Request for Proposal District – Houston County School District HCSD – Houston County School District OCGA – Official Code of Georgia Annotated (State Statute) Offeror – Respondent to this Request for Proposal RFP – Request for Proposal Vendor – Respondent to this Request for Proposal

1.6 Contract Term

Code section 20-2-506 of the laws of the State of Georgia as of this date and as may be amended apply to this agreement. If it is determined that a contract is established for this project, for the duration of the contract term established through this RFP, contracts will automatically renew on January 1 of each year unless notified in writing by HCSD.

The initial contract term is one (1) year, or less, from contract award through the end of the current calendar year and will automatically renew not to exceed 2 years (24 months) unless cancelled as specified herein.

1.7 Background

For information on the Houston County School District please go to www.hcbe.net.

1.8 Submission Expenses

The District shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by the Offeror in responding to this RFP. This shall include expenses incurred by the Offeror to conduct product demonstrations at the District site.

1.9 Right to Purchase

HCSD reserves the right to purchase from any source to include existing or future state or federal contracts, cooperatives or from any submitted proposals.

2.0 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

This section identifies all mandatory requirements, which must be addressed in the proposal before further consideration will be given. Each response must reference the item number it is in reference to (i.e., 2.1.a, 2.1.b, etc.).

HCSD Existing Network Cable Infrastructure HCSDs local area network at its Central Office is supported by a fiber optic infrastructure. The campus network is composed of a gigabit multimode fiber backbone linking the Main Distribution Facility (MDF) to all Intermediate Distribution Facility (IDF) locations. All edge devices are cabled with CAT5 Ethernet and patch panels for connectivity to client devices.

Project Objective Our objective is to upgrade our cabling infrastructure, with support for 10 Gigabit throughput on our fiber backbone and Category 6a Ethernet cabling for client device connectivity. We want to provide additional data drops to underserved work areas, simplify cluttered cable pathways, and standardize cabling throughout the entire building.

Cabling is defined as:

• Pulling, terminating, testing, and grounding (where necessary) of unshielded twisted pair cable and fiber optic cabling.

• Mounting racks, patch panels, faceplates, and light guide interconnection units.

• Installing workstation outlet connectors, fiber optic couplers, and blank inserts.

• Installing surface mounted raceways at locations where required.

• Installing floor mounted outlets where required.

Locations to be Rewired and Number of Drops:

David A. Perdue Primary 150 Jerry Barker Dr.

Warner Robins, GA 31088

Lake Joy Primary 995 Lake Joy Rd.

Warner Robins, GA 31088

The majority of rooms at each facility will receive 4 drops per classroom (1 in the ceiling, 2 teacher and 1 printer). Most offices will receive 3 drops per room.

In lieu of a walkthrough, site maps for each location have been provided as attachments. Note that the District has no additional drop-specific location detail at this time. Vendors should provide their best estimate based upon the information provided in this RFP and site plans.

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 Vendor’s personnel shall be always uniformed or identifiable while on HCSD locations. Necessary badges needed for building entry will be provided by the District.

2.1.2 Collect customer data including cable containment information, outlet location, rack information and labeling requirements prior to delivering service onsite.

2.1.3 Equipment needed to complete this project shall be delivered onsite by the successful Vendor at no added expense to HCSD.

2.1.4 Provide manufacturer manuals or user guides in electronic format.

2.1.5 All equipment and materials shall be new. Used, re-conditioned or refurbished equipment and materials shall not be accepted.

2.1.6 All components and installation methods shall be EIA/TIA 568 approved and conform to EIA/TIA 569 practices and methods. The cabling system installed by the Vendor shall be capable of a minimum of 1 gigabyte network application.

2.1.7 Vendor shall assume all responsibility to repair or replace fixtures and/or materials damaged during its work on this project, including but not exclusively, ceiling grip and tiles, gypsum Districts, etc. Vendor shall be wholly financially responsible for damages realized by HCSD as a result of the Vendor’s activities.

2.1.8 Vendor is responsible to reconnect any utilities, equipment, system furniture panels or trim, or appliances removed in the course of work, and replace all furniture, etc. moved for the performance of this project. All debris and rubbish created to complete project shall be removed by the Vendor. Site shall be left in a clean, neat, and orderly manner.

2.1.9 In lieu of a walkthrough, a detailed plan of each location and drops has been included with this RFP.

2.1.10 Existing wired systems, i.e. intercom, alarm, cable TV, etc. shall be maintained during the installation and shall not be removed or damaged during the cabling removal and replacement.

2.2 MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION

· Workstation jacks and faceplates

· Panels and shelves

· Closet hardware such as patch panels, blocks, shelves, racks, etc.

· Other applicable telecommunications and audio-visual devices, workstation cable on both ends

2.2.29 All cables will be tested and certified with an industry compliant tester (e.g. Fluke DTX-1800 tester). The tester shall be equipped with the latest Cat 6a software available. The tester will measure the electrical characteristics of the cable using a true frequency sweep method, like that of high-end laboratory style testing equipment. Each test will be conducted from the Horizontal or Cross-connect to the workstation outlet. All cable pairs and terminations will be tested for continuity including shorts, opens, crosses, splits, and wire mapping. In addition, each cable test will be documented with its actual performance results in the following areas:

· Length (ft.)

· Impedance (ohms)

· Resistance (ohms)

· Capacitance (pF)

· Attenuation (dB)

· Near End Cross Talk (NEXT)

· Power Sum Near End Cross Talk (PS-NEXT)

· Power Sum Far End Cross Talk (PS-FEXT)

· Return Loss (RL)

· Delay Skew (DS)

· Pair to pair Power Sum Cross Talk (ELFEXT)

· Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio (ACR)

· Power Sum Attenuation to Crosstalk ratio (PS-ACR)

2.2.35 Repair all damage to the building due to the negligence of its workers.

2.2.36 Replace any broken equipment with equal or greater value to be determined by HCSD.

2.2.37 Dispose of all hazardous material in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.

2.2.38 Vendor must leave the premises clean and neat including having all ceiling tiles in place after each workstation.

2.2.39Cabling shall not be laid on ceiling grid structure, ceiling tiles or supported on any structure not specifically designed for supporting cables. If a cable tray is not present, provide cable support at intervals of every 4‐6 feet. Cable supports shall be “J” hooks or other supporting devices with a minimum 1-inch cable resting surface. Cable support devices shall be independently from or attached to building structure or walls. Cable sag between supports shall not exceed 12 inches. All cables shall be neatly bundled and secured with appropriately rated fasteners.

2.2.40 Cables should not be installed within 4-6 feet of transformers/motors, when running parallel of power conduits or fluorescent light fixtures maintaining a 1-foot separation.

2.2.41 Color code ports and cable in coordination with HCSD.

2.3 Company Background and Experience

Offeror will describe their background, relevant experience, and qualifications, including, but not limited to the following:

2.3.1 Company Structure

The Offeror will include in the proposal the legal form of their business organization, the state in which incorporated (if a corporation), the types of business ventures in which the organization is involved and the office location that will be the point of contact during the term of any resulting contract.

2.3.2 Experience

The Offeror shall include in the technical proposal the number of full consecutive years they have been operating under their current business name.

The Offeror will provide a list of at least 3 clients for whom similar services, as detailed in this RFP, have been provided during the past three years. The list must include:

· dates of service

· name of contact person

· title of contact person

· phone number of contact person

The Offeror will also disclose any services terminated by the client(s) and the reason(s) for termination.

2.3.3 Vendor shall be responsible for complying with all Federal, State, County, and City laws, codes, and ordinances applicable to the performance of any work resulting from this RFP. Vendor shall be required to adhere to all applicable local environmental ordinances. Ignorance on the part of the Vendor will in no way relieve the Vendor from responsibility.

2.3.4 Vendor shall be responsible for obtaining all required permits applicable to performance under any single order placed against this RFP. Cost of any permits required are the sole responsibility of the Vendor.

2.3.5 Vendor must provide a name and contact number of the Vendor’s Project Manager that will be available during complete installation project.

2.3.6 A map of each location identifying the drops is provided. Vendor’s prices quoted must be held firm and shall not be adjusted after project has been awarded.

2.3.7 Vendor shall include a SPIN certifying they are a registered service provider and must respond to this item confirming they are not under red light status.

3.0 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION AND EVALUATION

3.1 Process for Submitting Proposals

3.1.1 Preparation of Proposal

Each proposal should be prepared simply and economically, avoiding the use of elaborate promotional materials beyond those sufficient to provide a complete presentation. If supplemental materials are a necessary part of the technical proposal, the Offeror should reference these materials in the technical proposal, identifying the document, and citing the appropriate section and page(s) to be reviewed.

3.1.2 Packaging of Proposal

The Offeror's proposal in response to this RFP must be divided into two appropriately labeled and sealed packages - a Technical Submission and a Financial Proposal.

Include original and one (1) copy of technical submission and one (1) copy of the financial proposal. In addition, submit digital copy of all documents on USB flash drive with the financial response form in EXCEL format only. Do not include cost information in the technical submission.

The contents of each package will include:

Technical Submission Proposal Certification (Attachment A) Immigration and Security Form (Attachment B) Certificate Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility (Attachment C) Contract Exceptions (Attachment D) Technical Proposal, addressing all requirements in Section 2.0

Financial Proposal The Offeror must use the Financial Proposal Form provided as a part of this RFP. Each location must be proposed separately as designated on form.

Mark the outside of shipping package as follows:

Name of Company Phone Number and Point of Contact for Company

RFP # 26-020

Due January 09, 2026; 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time

3.1.3 Submission of Proposals

Proposals must be submitted to:

HCSD – Purchasing Dept.

L. Renee Langston, CPPB 200 Jerry Barker Drive Warner Robins, Georgia 31088

Any proposal received after the due date and time will not be evaluated.

3.2 Evaluation Process

The evaluation of proposals received on or before the due date and time will be conducted in the following phases.

3.2.1 Administrative Review

The proposals will be reviewed by the Issuing Officer for the following administrative requirements:

· Submitted by deadline

· Separately sealed Technical Submission and Financial Proposal

· All required documents have been submitted

· Technical Submission does not include any information from the Financial Proposal

· All documents requiring an original signature have been signed and are included

3.2.2 Proposal Evaluation

Proposals, which pass the Mandatory Requirements Review, will be reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Team for quality and completeness.

The following are the maximum possible points of each category:

3.2.3 Oral Presentations

The District reserves the right to choose and invite Offerors to present their technical solution to the Technical Evaluation Team. The Financial Proposal must not be discussed during the oral presentation. All Offerors submitting proposals may not be asked to make a presentation.

3.2.4 Financial Proposal Evaluation

Offerors shall use only the Financial Proposal Forms provided with the RFP.

3.2.5 Identification of Apparent Successful Offeror

The resulting Financial Proposal scores will be combined with the Technical Proposal score. The Offeror with the highest combined technical and financial score will be identified as the apparent successful Offeror.

3.3 Rejection of Proposals/Cancellation of RFP

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularity or informality in a proposal, and to accept or reject any item or combination of items, when to do so would be to the advantage of the District. It is also within the right of the District to reject proposals that do not contain all elements and information requested in this document. The District reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time. The District will not be liable for any cost/losses incurred by the Offerors throughout this process.

4.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1 RFP Amendments

The District reserves the right to amend this RFP prior to the proposal due date. All amendments and additional information will be posted to the HCSD Purchasing website, located at: http://www.hcbe.net/purchasing. Offerors are encouraged to check this website frequently.

4.2 Proposal Withdrawal

A submitted proposal may be withdrawn prior to the due date by a written request to the Issuing Officer. A request to withdraw a proposal shall be signed by an authorized individual.

4.3 Cost for Preparing Proposals

The cost for developing the proposal is the sole responsibility of the Offeror. The District will not provide reimbursement for such costs.

4.4 Sample Contract

The Sample Contract, which the District intends to use with the successful Offeror, is attached to this RFP and identified as Attachment D. Exceptions to the Contract should be identified and submitted with the Offeror's proposal. Proposed exceptions must not conflict with or attempt to preempt mandatory requirements specified in Section 2.0.

Prior to award, the apparent winning Offeror will be required to enter into discussions with the District to resolve any contractual differences before an award is made. These discussions are to be finalized and all exceptions resolved within one (1) week of notification. Failure to resolve contractual differences will lead to rejection of the Offeror's proposal.

The District reserves the right to modify the Contract to be consistent with the successful offer and to negotiate with the successful Offeror other modifications, provided that no such modifications affect the evaluation criteria set forth herein, or give the successful Offeror a competitive advantage.

4.5 Conflict of Interest

If an Offeror has any existing client relationship that involves the Houston County District of Education, the Offeror must disclose each relationship.

4.6 Compliance with Laws

The Vendor will comply with all State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.

4.7 Evidence of Insurance

a) The successful Vendor, at its expense, shall always carry and maintain in full force during the term of the contract resulting from this RFP the following insurance:

Coverage Limits of Liability

$1,000,000 aggregate

$1,000,000 aggregate

$1,000,000 aggregate

b) Prior to commencement of performance of this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish to HCSD a certificate of liability insurance evidencing all required coverage in at least the limits required herein, naming the Houston County School District, its elected officials, agents, and employees as additional insured under the Comprehensive General Liability coverage, and providing that no policies may be cancelled without ten (10) days advance written notice to the District. Such certificate shall be issued to: Houston County School District.

c) Said policies shall remain in full force and effect until the expiration of the terms of the contract or until completion of all duties to be performed hereunder by the Contractor, whichever shall occur later.

RFP NUMBER 26-020

Attachment A

PROPOSAL CERTIFICATION

I certify that I have read and understand the terms and conditions herein except as stated below. I further state that I am and/or my company is capable, able to, and will provide the requested products and/or service described herein. I am the owner or agent of the company stated below and am authorized and empowered to contract. By my signature on this RFP, I/we guarantee and certify that all items included in my bid meet or exceed specifications.

I certify that this quotation is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm or person submitting a quotation for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I understand collusive bidding is a violation of State and Federal Law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards. I agree to abide by all conditions of the quotation and certify that I am authorized to sign this quotation for the Vendor.

SUBMITTED BY_________________________________________ DATE _______________

TITLE____________________________________EMAIL: ____________________________

COMPANY NAME____________________________________________________________

ADDRESS________________________________CITY______________ST_____ZIP_______

TELEPHONE NUMBER_______________________FAX NUMBER_____________________

COMPANY WEBSITE _________________________

SIGNATURE _________________________________________________________________

Can payment be made via credit card? ______________________________________________

Credit card fee: ________________________________________________________________

Company Name:_______________________________________________________________

Company Address: ____________________________________________________________

Company Phone/ Fax #:__________________________________________________________

Attachment B Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(1)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of Houston County School District has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned contractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b). Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number Date of Authorization

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on ______, ___, 20___ in ____________________(city), ______(state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME

ON THIS THE ______ DAY OF ______________,20___.

NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires:

Attachment C

Certificate Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility

The Houston County School District is a recipient of Federal monies. As such we require that participating vendors not be debarred, suspended, ineligible or excluded from doing business with the Federal government or any agency thereof.

The prospective participant certifies, by submission of the proposal, that neither it, nor its principals, is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.

Organization Name

Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN)

Name(s) and Title(s) of Authorized Representative(s)

Signature(s) Date

Attachment D

DISTRICT STANDARD CONTRACT

SAMPLE CONTRACT

CONTRACT

This writing shall constitute the entire agreement between the Houston County School District, and _(VENDOR)_________________________________.

AGREEMENT: The Houston County School District agrees to the services provided by (VENDOR)_as listed herein and as modified from time to time. This agreement supersedes any purchase order issued in the course of executing this agreement. (VENDOR)_ agrees to provide the services and equipment listed herein in accordance with the terms and conditions herein and certifies that such services and equipment is as proposed in Houston County School District RFP # 26-020 This agreement may be modified only by written agreement and not by course of performance. This agreement becomes effective on _____ or on the day it is signed by all parties, whichever is later and will continue as indicated below.

DEFINITIONS: The meanings of the words below as used herein are defined as follows.

A. "District” as used herein means the Houston County School District, a political sub-division of the State of Georgia.

B. “Vendor or Contractor” as used herein means the company that will be awarded the contract.

LAW: The laws of the State of Georgia shall prevail in all matters concerning this contract.

TERM: Code section 20-2-506 of the laws of the State of Georgia as of this date and as may be amended apply to this agreement. In addition to other requirements, the following are specifically enumerated.

A. This contract will terminate absolutely and without further obligation on the part of the School District at the close of each calendar year. Unless the District votes to cancel or non-renew, the contract will automatically renew at the end of each calendar year for a successive calendar year. The total contract periods shall not exceed 26 months ending 09/30/2027, except as provided herein.

B. This contract may be extended for no more than 3 months immediately following the expiring contract year.

TERMINATION:

A. The Houston County School District may terminate this contract in accordance with O.C.G.A. 20-2-506.

B. The Houston County School District may terminate this contract for non-performance of Contractor in any material respect and at the close of each calendar year by giving not less than 60 days notice to contractor.

C. The Contractor may terminate this contract for non-performance of the District in any material respect or at the close of each calendar year by giving written notice to the District not less than 60 days prior to termination.

D. The Contractor and the Houston County School District may mutually agree to terminate this contract at any time.

E. Upon total termination of this contract due to any reason, the District shall only be liable for the cost of unpaid past service periods. This District will release all equipment provided by this contract.

F. This contract will terminate absolutely and immediately at such time as appropriated and otherwise unobligated funds are no longer available to satisfy the obligations of this contract.

G. In the event of termination at the end of any calendar year period, the District shall only be liable for the cost of unpaid past service periods.

PRICE:

To be completed after proposal evaluation.

TAXES:

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for all taxes and fees and shall pay all taxes and fees brought about by this agreement.

B. The District shall provide the Contractor with a Sales & Use Tax Exemption Form.

INDEMNITY: To the extent permitted by law:

A. The parties to this Agreement will indemnify, defend and hold each other harmless from all losses, damages, claims, suits and actions (including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees) ("claims") arising out of any breach of this Agreement except to the extent caused by the negligence or intentional acts or omissions of the other.

B. The District shall not be required to insure the equipment provided under this contract from loss.

C. The District shall not be responsible for loss or damage to equipment.

ASSIGNMENT:

A. The Contractor shall not sell, assign, or transfer this agreement without the written consent of the District.

Appendix E

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

RFP 26-020

TOTAL COST:

TOTAL COST:

SUBMITTED BY_________________________________________ DATE ___________________

TITLE___________________________________________________________________________

COMPANY NAME________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________________________

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