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 2026-2031. The procurement seeks qualified service providers to deliver internal connections, basic maintenance of internal connections, and managed internal broadband services for Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Tennessee Public Charter Schools, and State Special Schools. Services encompass networking equipment, cabling, routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, caching systems, and managed broadband solutions. The amendment updates the RFQ schedule of events with confirmed dates for all procurement milestones. Key deadlines include a disability accommodation request deadline of October 23, 2025; 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, with a protest period ending February 2, 2026. The contractor signature deadline is February 5, 2026.

The procurement is funded through the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism (E-Rate program). The State will not evaluate cost during the initial RFQ phase; instead, respondents must submit catalog pricing, and educational entities will conduct competitive bidding in a subsequent mini-bid process where catalog pricing serves as the ceiling. Respondents must achieve a minimum combined score of 75 points based on evaluation of mandatory requirements, general qualifications, and technical qualifications to be considered for award. The RFQ may result in multiple awards to qualified respondents, providing flexibility for educational institutions in selecting appropriate technology solutions. The contract term extends through fiscal year 2031, with potential for significant procurement volume across the State's education agencies.