Wm. S. Hart Union High School District

E-Rate Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet Services RFP2601A - Proposal

Request for Qualifications and Proposals for

E-Rate Eligible Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet Services

RFP2601A

William S. Hart Union High School District

21380 Centre Pointe Parkway

Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Telephone: (661) 259-0033

Webpage: http://www.hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/purchasing http://www.hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/purchasing

RFP2601A - Proposal

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSAL

2.0 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

4.0 SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS

5.0 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

6.0 E-RATE SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7.0 E-RATE WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN) SCOPE OF WORK

8.0 PROJECT PROPOSAL

9.0 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

10.0 CUSTOMER SUPPORT

11.0 ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

12.0 EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

13.0 CONTENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL FORMAT

AGREEMENT ………………………………………………………………………………………….45

REQUIRED BID FORMS SECTION…………………………………………………………………51

RFP2601A - Proposal

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSAL

The William S. Hart Union High School District (herein after referred to as “District”) is soliciting offers from qualified E-Rate Service Providers to furnish all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, tools, vehicles, and transportation required to provide E-Rate Eligible Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet Services (as described herein) within the William S. Hart Union High School District in the time and manner specified in this RFP. The William S. Hart Union High School District has an on-going strategic plan which includes telecommunication services, connectivity, and support. District’s technology infrastructure consists of a local area network installed at each campus with a wide area network connecting the campuses together at the Administrative Center location. The District is seeking to leverage its investment in these areas to achieve maximum operating efficiencies and cost savings.

The William S. Hart Union High School District is located in the Santa Clarita Valley and covers approximately 400 square miles of territory. Its buildings comprise over 2.2 million square feet of traditional school buildings, portable classrooms, and administrative offices. We operate seven comprehensive high schools, six junior high schools, five alternative schools, and an adult school. The District’s enrollment is approximately 22,000 students and is staffed by over 2,000 teaching, support and administrative employees.

Project Goal: The District is seeking telecommunication providers that are able to meet its data telecommunication needs. The present system utilizes various levels and types of services at multiple locations.

Term of the Agreement: The annual E-Rate Funding Year begins on July 1 and expires on June 30 of each calendar year. Regardless of the contract “effective date”, E-Rate eligible goods and/or services requested in this RFP shall be delivered no earlier than the start of the 2026 funding year (July 1, 2026). If Category 1 services (Telecommunication Services and Internet access) will begin on or shortly after July 1 of a funding year, the Service Provider, in some cases, may need to undertake some construction and installation work prior to the beginning of that funding year. Within the limitations indicated below, the infrastructure costs of a Service Provider can be deemed to be delivered at the same time that the associated Category 1 services begin. That is, if services begin on July 1, then the delivery of Service Provider infrastructure necessary for those services can be considered as also delivered on July 1. Dependent upon the most advantageous proposal submitted, the contract term will be for either three (3) years with two (2) one (1) year extensions, or five (5) years, from the Service Start Date. In the event of a funding commitment issued later than July 1, 2026, the service start date shall be mutually agreed upon by the District and awarded vendor.

RFP2601A - Proposal

2.0 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 16, 2025 Release RFP

December 16, 2025 First Public Notice

December 23, 2025 Second Public Notice

January 6, 2026 – 9AM Optional Site Walk

January 8, 2026 – 10AM Last Day for Questions

January 12, 2026 Last Addenda Issued

January 23, 2026 – 10AM Proposals Due by 10AM

February 3, 2026 Proposal Evaluation and Intent to Award Letters / Emails

February 18, 2026 Anticipated Governing Board Award

The District will make every effort to adhere to the Calendar of Events. However, the Calendar of Events may be revised at the District's sole discretion. Any changes to the Calendar of Events prior to the Proposal due date shall be issued by Addendum to this RFP.

Site Walk (Optional): There is an optional site walk starting at the District Office located at 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway Santa Clarita CA 91350 on January 6, 2026 at 9AM. Service Provider may walk the sites in order to inspect entrance facilities – Demarc to MPOE. Service Providers intending to participate in the optional site walk are required to notify Jordan Meraz via e-mail at jmmeraz@hartdistrict.org , with subject line “RFP2601A Site Walk”, no later than Friday, January 2, 2026 by 10:00 AM PST.

Questions: All questions must be submitted electronically through the District’s OpenGov portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/hartdistrict by January 8, 2026 by 10AM.

Answers will be posted on the District’s website at www.hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/purchasing and USAC’s EPC Portal site www.usac.org by January 12, 2026.

mailto:jmmeraz@hartdistrict.org https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/hartdistrict%20by%20January%208 http://www.hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/purchasing http://www.hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/purchasing http://www.bpusd.net/purchasing http://www.usac.org/

RFP2601A - Proposal

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

Preparation of Proposal Form: The William S. Hart Union High School District, hereinafter referred to as District, invites proposals on the form(s) enclosed to be submitted no later than 10:00 AM, January 23, 2026. It is the Service Provider’s responsibility to examine the RFP. All proposals shall adhere to the requirements specified in the Submittal Information provision of the RFP.

All blanks on the proposal form must be appropriately filled in. Service Provider shall return, sign, and notarized (if applicable) all required forms listed in RFP. An individual authorized to legally bind Service Provider must sign their Proposal. All Proposals must be submitted electronically via Opengov through the District’s eProcurement Portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/hartdistrict no later than Friday, January 23, 2026 at 10:00 am.

Late Proposals will not be accepted. It is the Service Provider’s sole responsibility to ensure that their response is received prior to the scheduled closing time for receipt of their proposal. No corrected or resubmitted responses will be accepted after the deadline. In accordance with Government Code Section 53068, any proposal received after the scheduled closing time for receipt of proposals shall be returned to the Service Provider unopened.

This RFP does not commit the William S. Hart Union High School District to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this request. The District reserves the right to accept all or part of any responses or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP. The District further reserves the right to accept the response that it considers to be in the best interest of the District.

All requirements must be addressed in your response. All responses, whether selected or rejected, shall become the property of the District. Service Providers are responsible for checking the website periodically for any updates or revisions to the RFP.

The District reserves the right to cancel or revise this RFP in part or in its entirety. If the District cancels or revises the RFP, all Service Providers will be notified by addenda. The District also reserves the right to extend the date responses are due.

Submittals which do not include all of the elements as specified, or which deviate from the proposed format and content as specified, may be deemed “non-responsive” and eliminated from further consideration.

Agreements/Proposal Bond/Security: The Agreement form which the successful Service Provider as Contractor, will be required to execute, and the forms and amounts of surety bonds which he will be required to furnish at the time of execution of the Agreement, are included in the contract documents and should be carefully examined by the Service Provider. Payment and Performance Bonds must be executed by an admitted surety insurer as defined in Code of Civil Procedure 995.120.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by a certified or cashier’s check payable to the William S.

Hart Union High School District or a satisfactory bid bond in favor of the District, executed by the Service Provider as principal, and a satisfactory surety company as surety, in an amount not less than 10% of the maximum amount of their proposal. The check or bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the Service Provider shall execute the contract if it be awarded to him in conformity https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/hartdistrict

RFP2601A - Proposal with the contract documents and shall provide the surety bond or bonds as specified within five (5) days after notification of award of the contract to the Service Provider.

Amortization Requirement: Any installation costs associated with the service delivery may be amortized over initial term and is to be included within the monthly service cost. The District also reserves the right to not award a contract that includes large non-recurring costs if those costs would be borne by the District in excess of their available general fund budget resources.

Fingerprinting: The Contractor shall require and be responsible for ensuring that each person who will be at, on or in the vicinity of the Project Site on account of the Work, and/or each employee who interacts with pupils, has a valid criminal records summary as required by Education Code Section 45125.1. The Contractor must complete, execute, and submit to the District a “Certification of Employee Background” form included in the Required Project Forms, to thereby certify that no person assigned to the Work or who otherwise will be present at or on the Project Site, and/or each employee who might interact with pupils, has been convicted of any felony as described in Education Code Section 45122.1. The Contractor must attach to the executed certification a list of all persons to whom the certification applies. The Contractor shall prohibit and prevent each and every person who will be at, on or in the vicinity of the Project Site on account of the Work (including not only all persons assigned to the Work directly by the Contractor, but also all persons assigned to the Work by any Subcontractor, materialman, or other person or entity that furnishes any labor, materials, services, goods or other things in connection with the Work), and/or each employee who might interact with pupils, from being present at, on or in the vicinity of the Project Site unless and until the Contractor provides the required certification including such person to the District. Moreover, Contractor shall immediately provide any applicable subsequent arrest and conviction information it receives to the District. If the Contractor is a sole proprietor, the District shall prepare and submit the Contractors fingerprints per Education Code section 45125.1. Any Contractor that is a sole proprietor shall have an immediate and affirmative duty to inform the District of such status so as to allow the District to comply with Education Code section 45125.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, compliance with Education Code Section 45125.1 shall be subject to the District’s sole discretion to grant alternative compliance requirements per Education Code section 45125.2, subdivision (a).

The Contractor shall require in any subcontract that, if the subcontractor will assign any person to the Work or otherwise will cause or permit any person to be present at or on the Project Site, the subcontractor must cooperate in regard to, and fully comply with, the requirements of this Section

7. The Contractor may on that basis delegate responsibility for compliance with this Section 7 to any such subcontractor; however, the Contractor at all times retains full responsibility and/or liability for such compliance or lack thereof.

Upon request of the Contractor with respect to any particular situation and/or limited duration of time, the District in its sole discretion may consent to the Contractor implementing measures intended to protect the District’s minor-aged students, which measures would be in lieu of the Contractor complying with California Department of Justice guidelines and requirements relating to fingerprinting and criminal-history background checks. Subject to District approval, such alternative measures might include, but are not necessarily limited to: (i) installing a physical barrier to limit contact between students and the employees and other representatives of the Contractor, subcontractors, and others present on or at the Project Site on account of the Work; (ii) providing for the continuous supervision and monitoring of specific employees, representatives and others by an employee of the Contractor who has received fingerprint clearance from the California

RFP2601A - Proposal

Department of Justice; or (iii) providing for the surveillance of such employees, representatives and others by a District employee. The Contractor must implement any such approved alternative measures at no additional cost to the District, and the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with such alternative measures by or with respect to all persons assigned to the Work or who otherwise will be present at, on or in the vicinity of the Project Site on account of the Work.

Due to the possible adverse consequences of contact with students and other minor-aged individuals, any failure by the Contractor to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Section 7, shall be deemed and construed to constitute a material breach of the Contract, upon which the District, in its sole discretion, may immediately terminate the Contract without any further compensation to Contractor and/or pursue all other rights and remedies it may have against the Contractor pursuant to law or the Contract.

Signature: All proposals must be signed in the name of the Service Provider in ink and must bear the signature in longhand of the person or persons duly authorized to sign the proposal. Unsigned proposals will be considered non-responsive, thus resulting in rejection of the proposal.

Modifications: Changes in or additions to the proposal form, recapitulations of the service proposal upon, alternative Proposals, or any other modification of the proposal form or other District documents in this RFP that are not specifically called for by the District may result in the District’s rejection of the proposal as not being responsive. No oral or telephonic modification of any proposal submitted will be considered. Proposals or modification received by facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.

Erasures, Inconsistent, or Illegible Proposals: The proposal submitted must not contain any erasures, interlineations, or other corrections unless each such correction creates no inconsistency and is suitably authenticated by signatures of the person or persons signing and dating the proposal.

Correction of any such errors shall be made prior to the proposal opening only. In the event of inconsistency between words and figures in the proposal price, words shall control figures. In the event that the District determines that any proposal is unintelligible, inconsistent, or ambiguous, the District may reject such proposal as not being responsive. Service Providers shall verify their proposals before submission, as proposals cannot be withdrawn or corrected after the proposal opening.

Examination of Site, Proposal, and Contract Documents: Each Service Provider shall fully acquaint himself with the conditions relating to the services so that he may fully understand the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions attending the execution of the service under this RFP. Any Service Provider submitting a proposal in response to this RFP may attend the Optional Site Walk and fully inform himself prior to submitting a proposal as to existing conditions and limitations under which the service is to be performed. No allowance will be made to a Service Provider because of lack of such examination or knowledge. Service Providers shall thoroughly examine and be familiar with the RFP documents and specifications. The failure or omission of any Service Provider to receive or examine any RFP document, form, instrument, addendum, or other documents, or to visit the sites and acquaint himself with conditions there existing, shall in no way relieve any Service Provider from any obligation with respect to his proposal or to the contract. The submission of the proposal shall be taken as prima facie evidence of compliance with this section. All addenda issued during the RFP period shall be incorporated into the proposal automatically.

RFP2601A - Proposal

Withdrawal of Proposal: Any Service Provider may withdraw his proposal personally or by written request to the Director of Technology Services at any time prior to the scheduled closing time for receipt of proposals. Any proposal security for a withdrawn proposal shall be returned at the time of withdrawal.

Interpretation of Proposal and Contract Documents: Service Providers who find discrepancies in or omissions from the RFP documents may submit to the Director of Technology Services a written request for clarification or correction thereof. Questions must be submitted through Opengov no later than January 8, 2026 at 10AM. No questions will be accepted after that time. A copy of all requests for clarification and the response thereto will be posted in Opengov via https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/662/projects?scope=allProjects by January 12, 2026. Corrections will be made by addenda issued to the RFP. The District will not be responsible for oral interpretations. All addenda issued during the RFP period shall be incorporated into the proposal automatically. All addenda are required to be acknowledged and submitted with proposal submittal.

Award of Proposal/Contract: The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or to waive any irregularities or informalities in any proposals, and to make its selection based upon its best judgment as to which service is the most economical; substantially complies with the specifications and/or best suited for the purpose of this RFP. The award of the proposal, if made by the District’s Governing Board, shall be let to the vendor that meets all requirements in the RFP and has the most total points under the evaluation categories as outlined on page 30.

Proposals shall remain open, valid and subject to acceptance pending SLD funding.

Commencement and Completion of Work: The installation work shall be commenced upon the District’s Notice to Proceed and completed in conjunction with the District and other contractors.

Service Start Date shall be July 1, 2026 and may be adjusted upon mutual agreement of the District and the awarded Service Provider. Dependent upon the most advantageous proposal submitted, the contract term will be for either three (3) years with two (2) one (1) year extensions, or five (5) years from the Service Start Date.

It is expected that the awarded Service Provider will not begin implementation until the District issues a Notice to Proceed. The Notice to Proceed will not be issued by the District without a Funding Commitment Decision Letter issued by the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company (SLD).

No Proposal: A “No Proposal” noted on any item or section listed on the proposal form will cause the entire proposal to be considered non- responsive and will not be given further consideration.

Service Providers Interested in More Than One Proposal: No person, firm, or corporation shall be allowed to submit more than one response to this RFP. A person, firm, or corporation may submit a sub-proposal to another Service Provider and/or Service Providers and also submit a proposal in the name of his firm.

Amendments: Service Providers are advised that the District reserves the right to amend the requirements of this RFP prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions will be done formally by addenda issued to all Service Providers known to have received a copy of the proposal documents. If in the judgment of the District the change is of such nature that additional time is https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/662/projects?scope=allProjects

RFP2601A - Proposal required for Service Providers to prepare their proposals, the District will change the date of the proposal opening and notify all Service Providers in writing of the new date. All addenda issued during the RFP period shall be incorporated into the proposal automatically. All addenda must be acknowledged and included with proposal submittal.

Evidence of Responsibility: Upon the request of the District, a Service Provider whose proposal is under consideration for the award of the contract shall submit promptly to the District satisfactory evidence showing the Service Provider’s financial resources, facilities, vehicles, and equipment available for the performance of the contract. The District hereby requests the name of at least three (3) 7-12 Education/E-Rate references, for whom similar services, one at least $1,000,000 in value, have been performed during the previous three (3) years be submitted as part of Service Provider’s proposal package on the Service Provider’s References form which is included as part of these proposal documents. The Service Provider must also include information regarding any citations from EPA, WISHA, or OSHA, and a summary of the claim incident and severity as part of the proposal.

Workers’ Compensation: In accordance with the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code, Service Provider shall secure the payment of compensation to his employees. Service Provider shall sign and file with the District the following certificate prior to performing the service under this contract:

“I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Workers’ Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of the code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the services of this contract.”

The form of such certificate is required and included as part of the proposal documents.

Insurance: The Service Provider shall, prior to commencement of proposed work, furnish the District with properly executed certificates of insurance and endorsements, which clearly evidence all insurance required. The certificates of insurance shall contain a provision, if available, that coverage afforded under the policies will not be canceled until at least thirty (30) days written notice has been given to the District. Such insurance shall meet at least the minimum level of coverage outlined in this Section and be provided by an insurer with an A.M. Best rating no less than an A-.

The Service Provider shall procure and maintain for the duration of the work, the following minimum limits of insurance:

Commercial general liability coverage must be no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage for premises and operations and must include a separate endorsement, for ongoing and completed operations, naming the District and its officers, and employees as additional insureds, on a separate endorsement. It must also contain a general aggregate limit not less than $2,000,000.

RFP2601A - Proposal

Commercial Automobile Liability insurance coverage must be no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage or Contractor must submit District authored form certifying under penalty of perjury that Contractor will not enter District premises.

Workers’ Compensation limits as required by the Labor Code of the State of California and Employers’ Liability limits of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease or Contractor must submit District’s form certifying under penalty of perjury that Contractor is exempt from Workers’ Compensation.

Professional Liability insurance coverage with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000 per claim. The Professional Liability Policy shall provide coverage for claims arising out of the performance of the E-Rate Eligible Wide Area Network and Internet Services pursuant to the Contract. If an aggregate limit applies, such aggregate limit in the Professional Liability Policy shall not be less than $2,000,000.

The Service Provider shall submit additional documents or certifications, as required by the District and must be submitted before execution of this contract.

The Certificate Holder Additional Insured shall be addressed:

William S. Hart Union High School District Attn: Contract Specialist/Purchasing 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Covenant Against Contingent Fees: The Service Provider warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure the contract to be executed as a result of this RFP upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, excepting the bona fide established commercial or selling agencies maintained by the Service Provider for the purpose of securing business.

For breach or violation of this warranty the District shall have the right to terminate any contract that may be entered into with the Service Provider and, in his sole discretion, to deduct from the contract price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of the commission, percentage, brokerage, or commission fee.

Default: In the event the Service Provider to whom a contract is awarded fails to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the proposal or the contract, the District may terminate their orders, in whole or in part, in accordance with the Termination for Default provision of this proposal.

Termination for Default: The District may, by written Notice of Default to the successful Service Provider, terminate the contract issued in whole or in part if:

A. The successful Service Provider fails or neglects to perform any of the services listed herein in the manner and time specified, or if, in the opinion of the District, the items(s) provided fail to perform satisfactorily;

OR

B. The successful Service Provider fails to perform any of the other provisions of the proposal, contract, or purchase order, and does not cure such failure within a period of ten (10) days (or such longer period as the District may authorize in writing) after receipt of notice from the District specifying such failure.

In the event the District terminates the contract, in whole or in part, the District may acquire services, similar to those so terminated from another source and the successful Service Provider shall be liable for any excess costs of acquisitions of such similar services. Such a termination shall not waive any other legal remedies available to the District.

Termination for Program, Business Downturn, Site Closure, Re-organization or Reduction of Funds/Funding: In the event funds for the District programs are discontinued or funds are not allocated within the agency for the continuation of this contract in whole or in part, the District may terminate the service(s) under this clause without penalty. The District does not guarantee that any or all services will be requested for the duration of the contract period.

Termination for Convenience: If the District elects to terminate the contract, in whole or in part, for its convenience, such termination shall be effective thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of such Notice of Termination for Convenience to the Service Provider. Thereafter, the District shall pay the contractor for services provided through the effective date of termination and for those allowed costs determined by the District to be reasonably necessary to effect such termination for convenience. Thereafter, the Service Provider shall have no further claim against the District under the contract.

Anti-Discrimination: It is the policy of the District that in connection with all work performed under contracts, there be no discrimination against any prospective or active employee engaged in the service because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identification, age or marital status. The Service Provider agrees to comply with applicable Federal and California laws including, but not limited to, the California Fair Employment Practice Act, beginning with Labor Code Section 1410, and Labor Code Section 1735. In addition, the Service Provider agrees to require like compliance with any subcontractors employed on services provided by him.

Non-Collusion Declaration: Service Providers on all service contracts are required to submit a Non-Collusion Proposal Declaration form with their proposal. The Declaration is made part of the proposal form and must be dated and signed under penalty of perjury. This form is included and required as part of the proposal documents.

Work Hours and Safety Standards Act: In the performance of any work order/job under the contract, Service Provider shall adhere to and comply with all the provisions of Section 103 and 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327-330) and as supplemented in the Department of Labor regulations (29 CRF Part 5).

Proposal Costs: The District will not pay the Service Provider or agents for any costs incurred by the Service Provider in the preparation, presentation, or demonstration of this proposal.

If samples are provided, they shall be supplied at no cost and become the property of the District unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the District and the Service Provider.

Status of Service Provider: Service Provider is and shall at all times be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall be wholly responsible for the manner in which it performs the contract. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating the relationship of employer and employee, or principal and agent, between the District and Service Provider or any of Service Provider's agents or employees. Service Provider assumes exclusively the responsibility for the acts of its employees as they relate to the services to be provided during the course and scope of their employment. Service Provider, its agents and employees shall not be entitled to any rights or privileges of the District employees and shall not be considered in any manner to be the District employees.

Assignment of Contract: The contract awarded under this RFP shall not be assigned without the prior written approval of the District's Director of Technology Services.

Workforce: No portion of the work can be sublet without prior written approval from the District.

Liability: The Service Provider shall hold the District and its officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind whatsoever on account of use by the publisher or author, manufacturer or agent, of any copyrighted composition, secret process, patented or unpatented invention, article or appliance furnished or used under this RFP.

Protests After Award: Any protest against the award of a contract pursuant to this RFP must be received within five (5) calendar days after the Notice of Intent to Award is posted. The District shall not be obligated to consider protests received after the above-specified deadline. All protests must be in writing and submitted to the Director of Technology Services. Mailed letters of protest are to be addressed to the William S. Hart Union High School District, Director of Technology, 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway Santa Clarita CA 91350 and marked to the attention of Jordan Meraz.

Safety Data Sheets: Service Providers receiving awards on services subject to Chapter 4 (Industrial Safety Orders) California Administrative Code, Title 8, Division of Industrial Relations must submit, to the District's Director of Technology Services and to each participating school district and government agency, Safety Data Sheets for those items.

Prevailing Wage Rates: Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 1773, the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations of the State of California has determined the generally prevailing rates of wages in the locality in which the Work is to be performed. The Service Provider to whom the contract for the Work is awarded shall post a copy of all applicable prevailing wage rates for the Work at conspicuous locations at the site of the Work. The Service Provider and all Subcontractors performing any portion of the Work shall pay not less than the applicable prevailing wage rate for the classification of labor provided by their respective Workers in the execution of the Work.

Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Division of Public Works Registration: SB 854 requires registration of all contracts on a public works project. In addition, all Subcontractors of any tier shall be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) division of Public Works. Any portion of the Work performed for the Service Provider by a Subcontractor shall be pursuant to a written agreement between the Service Provider and Subcontractor specifically

RFP2601A - Proposal incorporating, by reference, the Contract Documents and will further specifically bind the Subcontractor to the applicable terms and conditions of the Contract Documents, including without limitation, the policies of insurance as required and identified in the Contract.

Verification of a DIR number will be required and contractor must be noted on the Subcontractor List. It shall further obligate the Subcontractor(s) to assume toward the Service Provider all the obligations and responsibilities of the Service Provider for which the Contract Documents the Service Provider assumes towards the District and Architect. The foregoing notwithstanding, no contractual relationship shall exist or be considered to exist between any Subcontractor(s) and the District unless the Contract is terminated and the District elects, in writing, to assume the Subcontract(s). Each Subcontract for a specific portion of the Work shall contain an article stating that if the District should terminate the Service Provider’s Contract the Subcontract may be, subject to the prior rights of the Surety obligation under the issued Bonds, assigned to the District.

RFP2601A - Proposal

4.0 SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS

A. All Service Providers shall be E-Rate qualified service providers with a current USAC Form 498 on file and a valid SPIN number.

B. All Service Providers must have a valid USAC Form 473 on file for the entire E-Rate funding year

2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

C. All Service Providers submitting proposals for Telecommunication Services must have a valid

USAC Form 499 on file with the SLD.

D. All proposal submissions must have the Service Provider’s SPIN number clearly marked on the proposal.

E. If annual service is requested, payments will be made to awarded Service Provider based upon actual service provided, not on total proposal price.

F. Awarded Service Provider shall agree to participate in the Service Provider Invoicing (SPI) method of invoicing.

G. All proposals containing any ineligible products or services must itemize the eligible and ineligible items separately with separate pricing for each item. Please reference the most recent SLD’s Eligible Services list at:

https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-973A1.pdf

H. All Service Providers must be qualified and willing to participate in the California Teleconnect

Fund program.

I. Service Providers are responsible for providing a valid SPIN (Service Provider Identification

Number). More information about obtaining a SPIN may be found at this website:

http://www.usac.org/sl/service-providers/step01/default.aspx

J. Service Providers are responsible for providing a valid Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) Registration Number (FRN) at the time the proposal is submitted. More information about obtaining an FRN may be found at this website:

https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

K. Service Providers are responsible for providing evidence of FCC Green Light Status at the time the proposal is submitted. Any potential Service Provider found to be in Red Light Status will be disqualified from participation in the RFP process and will be considered non-responsive. More information about FCC Red and Green Light Status may be found at this website:

http://www.fcc.gov/debt_collection/welcome.html

L. Products and services must be delivered before billing can commence. At no time may the Service

Provider invoice before July 1, 2026.

M. Within one (1) week of award, the awarded Service Provider must provide the District a bill of materials using a completed USAC “Item 21 Template”. Subsequent schedules of values and https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-973A1.pdf http://www.usac.org/sl/service-providers/step01/default.aspx

RFP2601A - Proposal invoices for each site must match Item 21 Attachment or subsequent service substitutions. A summary sheet must also be provided to provide the cumulative amount for all sites.

N. Service Providers must comply with the FCC rules for Lowest Corresponding Price ("LCP").

Further details on LCP may be obtained at USAC's website:

https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-2-responding-to-bids/lowest-corresponding-price/

The Service Provider acknowledges that its offer is considered to be the lowest corresponding price pursuant to §54.511(b). Should it not be the lowest corresponding price, the service provider must disclose the conditions leading to the applicant being charged in excess of lowest corresponding price. Further details on LCP may be obtained at USAC's website.

O. This offer is in full compliance with USAC’s Free Services Advisory https://www.usac.org/e-rate/applicant-process/competitive-bidding/free-services-advisory/ There are no free services offered that would predicate an artificial discount and preclude the applicant from paying its proportionate non-discounted share of costs. The Contractor/Service Provider agrees to provide substantiating documentation to support this assertion should the applicant, USAC, or the FCC request it.

P. Even after award of contract(s) and/or E-rate funding approval is obtained, the District may or may not proceed with the project, in whole or in part. Execution of the project, in whole or in part, is solely at the discretion of the District.

Q. In the event of questions during an E-rate pre-commitment review, post-commitment review and/or audit inquiry, the awarded Service Provider is expected to reply within 3 days to questions associated with its Proposal.

https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-2-responding-to-bids/lowest-corresponding-price/ https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-2-responding-to-bids/lowest-corresponding-price/ https://www.usac.org/e-rate/applicant-process/competitive-bidding/free-services-advisory/

RFP2601A - Proposal

5.0 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Proposal Form: The District will furnish a blank Proposal form to the Service Provider. The form must be properly executed and delivered prior to the time set for proposal opening to receive consideration for an award. Prices should be clearly written by computer, typewriter, or pen and ink.

Supplemental Price Sheets: All Service Providers shall submit pricing using the Supplemental Price Sheets and the minimum requested services to list all monthly itemized E- Rate eligible and ineligible costs and annual totals. All fields on Supplemental Price Sheet shall be filled in with no blanks. Annual totals shall be submitted on the Proposal Form. All fields on the Proposal Form shall be filled in with no blanks. It is the Service Provider’s responsibility to ensure that all calculations are correct and that annual amounts transferred from Supplemental Price Sheet to the Proposal Form are correct.

E-Rate Ineligible Costs: Costs for E-Rate ineligible items and taxes and fees must be itemized.

California Teleconnect Fund Discount (CTF Discount): The Service Provider must be qualified and willing to participate in the California Teleconnect Fund discount program. CTF discounts shall be reflected in the awarded Service Provider’s monthly invoices. Information regarding the program can be found on the California Public Utilities Commission’s website:

http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ctf/

Alternatives: When the name of manufacturer, brand, make, with or without model number, or service delivery method is used in describing any item in the Proposal Form, proposals for equal articles will be considered unless otherwise stated, but the District shall be the sole judge as to whether such alternate articles are acceptable. Unless the Service Provider states to the contrary, articles offered would be assumed to be the specific articles named in the RFP. If not offering the specific article named, Service Provider should enclose with proposal full information, specifications and descriptive data on items offered.

The District reserves the right to permit deviations from the specifications if an article offered is substantially in accord with the specifications and is deemed by the District to be of as good quality and as fully satisfactory for its intended use as an article fully meeting specifications.

Unless exceptions are noted by Service Provider, the article offered will be assumed to be in accord with specifications.

Alternate Configurations: Service Provider acknowledges that no change in products and/or services specified in this document will be allowed without prior written approval from the District and a USAC service substitution approval with the exception of a Global Service Substitution.

The District allows Service Provider to provide an alternate configuration, but each Service Provider must address the specifications in the RFP.

If Service Providers have a superior method for delivering services, it can be offered as an option but will still be required to use the Supplemental Price Sheets and Proposal Form to provide costs for the minimum requested services.

http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ctf/

Alternate Configurations will be considered, provided it is demonstrated to the District’s satisfaction that these configurations achieve the desired service levels defined in the Network Requirement provision of the RFP.

The Service Provider must demonstrate in writing and in diagram how the proposed Alternate Configuration meets or exceeds every specification stated in the RFP documents. The written explanation and diagram shall be submitted, along with all relevant Service Level Agreement definitions and measurements for all products recommended, as required attachments to the primary RFP response.

The Service Provider proposing an Alternate Configuration must completely respond to all provisions of this RFP in the same manner as any Service Provider proposing the District’s specified configuration.

Contract – Interpretation – Assignment: Articles and services covered by this RFP must comply with applicable laws, ordinances, and other legal requirements, including (among others) the Safety Orders of the California Division of Industrial Safety.

Should any questions arise as to the meaning and intent of the Contract, the matter shall be referred to the District, who shall decide the true meaning and intent of the Contract, and his/her decision shall be final and conclusive.

Contract awarded under this RFP may be assigned only with the approval of the District.

Inspections: All articles and installations shall be subject to inspection and acceptance or rejection by the District.

Failure to Deliver: When Service Provider fails to deliver an article or service of the quality, in the manner or within the time called for by the Contract, such article or service may be bought from any source by the District and if a greater price than that named in the contract be paid for such article or service the excess price will be charged to and collected from the Service Provider or sureties on his bond if bond has been required.

Liquidated Damages: If Service Provider fails to complete installation by date specified in this proposal the District may collect Liquidated Damages in the amount of $1,000.00 per day until installation is complete. If Service Provider fails to meet proposed Service Level Agreements during term of contract, the District may collect Liquidated Damages in the amount of $250.00 per day per affected site.

Firm Prices: Prices/quotations must be firm and shall be in effect for a period of not less than 90 days from the date of Proposal opening. Upon award, prices will be in effect for the first three-year term of the contract.

Written requests for price increases, if approved in writing by the District, for subsequent contract renewal years, will not exceed the percentage change listed in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles area for the calendar year ending on December 31st preceding the renewal year.

RFP2601A - Proposal

The awarded contractor is responsible for requesting all price increases in writing thirty (30) business days prior to expiration of contract. Price increases shall not be automatically made.

If the District determines a price decrease may be applicable as a result of industry trends, thirty (30) business days prior to expiration of contract, the District will contact awarded contractor in writing to request a price decrease negotiation meeting.

Upfront Payment Options: Service Providers may submit a price option that includes up front capital costs for special construction and fiber deployment with reduced monthly recurring cost to the District.

The District requests the option to pay up-front costs in installment payments over the term of the Contract and E-Rate to pay the full discounted share of up-front special construction charges in the first year.

Whether or not the discount is taken into consideration in determining the low Proposal, it will be deducted from the payment in accordance with the provisions, unless otherwise provided by Service Provider.

It is understood and agreed that no additional charge shall accrue against the District in the event that the District does not make payment within any time specified by Service Provider.

Taxes and Fees: Estimated tax rates and fees shall be listed separately on the Proposal Form and the Supplemental Price Sheets.

Payment: Payment by the District will be made monthly for services satisfactorily performed by the Service Provider after receipt of properly documented invoices.

Service Provider agrees to utilize the Service Provider Method of Invoicing as described on the SLD website. Service Provider will include USAC discount on monthly invoices once funding is approved by the SLD.

If after payment of the monthly invoice reflecting the June 30th billing cycle, the District should have an accrued credit balance, the District may elect to receive the credit balance in the form of a Lump Sum Payment.

Installation Costs: Any installation costs associated with the service delivery must be amortized over initial term and are to be included within the monthly service cost but itemized on Supplemental Price Sheet.

Entire Contract: All of the agreements between the parties are included herein and no warranties expressed or implied, representations, promises or statements have been made by either party unless endorsed here in writing and no change or waiver of any provision hereof shall be valid unless made in writing and executed in the same manner as the Contract.

RFP2601A - Proposal

Amendments to Contract: Amendments to the contract shall be allowed if agreed to by both parties and sixty (60) day written notice is provided by party desiring amendment. Final approval of amendment shall be provided by the District’s Governing Board.

This Agreement may not be modified, nor may compliance with any of its terms be waived, except by written instrument executed and approved in the same manner as this Agreement.

The District may order changes in the work herein required and may order extra materials and extra work in connection with the performance of the contract and the Service Provider must comply with such orders at the proposed price.

Independent Contractor – Payment of Taxes & Other Expenses: The Service Provider shall be deemed at all times to be an independent contractor and shall be wholly responsible for the manner in which the Service Provider performs the service required of the Service Provider by the terms of this Agreement.

The Service Provider shall be liable for the acts and omissions of it, its employees and its agents.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed as creating an employment or agency relationship between the District and the Service Provider. Terms in this Agreement referring to direction from the District shall be construed as providing for direction as to policy and the result of the Service Provider's work only and not as to the means by which such a result is obtained.

Incidental and Consequential Damages: The Service Provider shall be responsible for incidental and consequential damages resulting in whole or in part from Service Provider's acts or…