Amendment_3_for_RFQ_33101-26006FAS5_E-Rate%20_Category_2.pdf

This is Amendment #3 to a Request for Qualifications issued by the State of Tennessee Department of Education for E-Rate Category 2 services (RFQ #33101-26006FAS5) covering fiscal years 2026 through 2031. The procurement seeks qualified service providers to deliver internal connections, basic maintenance of internal connections, and managed internal broadband services for Local Education Agencies, Tennessee Public Charter Schools, and State Special Schools. The amendment updates the RFQ schedule of events with confirmed dates for all procurement milestones. Key dates include a pre-response conference on October 27, 2025, a Notice of Intent to Respond deadline of October 28, 2025, written questions and comments deadline of November 3, 2025, and the RFQ response deadline of December 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The State will complete technical response evaluations by January 22, 2026, open catalog pricing for apparent successful respondents on January 23, 2026, and release its Notice of Intent to Award on January 26, 2026. The protest period concludes on February 2, 2026, with contract execution expected by February 5, 2026.

This procurement does not include cost evaluation at the RFQ stage; instead, respondents must submit catalog pricing that will serve as a ceiling for subsequent mini-bid processes conducted by eligible educational entities. The RFQ requires a minimum combined score of 75 points for qualification consideration, with evaluation based on mandatory requirements, general qualifications, and technical qualifications. The solicitation is funded through the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism (E-Rate program). The procurement may result in multiple awards to qualified respondents, providing flexibility for educational institutions to select appropriate technology solutions. All services encompass networking equipment, cabling, routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, caching systems, and managed broadband solutions. Interested vendors should contact Jordan Jackson, the designated procurement specialist, at jordan.t.jackson@tn.gov or 615-253-7825 for additional information or clarification.