RFP 013_25 Network Infrastructure_docx.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

013-25

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

CLAYTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DR. ANTHONY W. SMITH RAMONA BIVINS

Superintendent/CEO of Schools CFO/Chief Financial Officer

Drexal Paulk, MBA, CPM, CPPO, CPPB Director

Department of Purchasing 1098 Fifth Avenue, Jonesboro, Georgia, 30236

Response Submission Deadline:

November 19, 2024

3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Page 2 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure

Initial Here ____ “Proponent must return each and every page of the Proposal.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

EVENT DATE OR DEADLINE

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

RFP Release September 26, 2024

Pre-Proposal Conference Zoom ID # 971922

October 3, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m.

Deadline for Submission of Questions Submit questions to:

purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us

October 10, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

Answers posted by Addendum at:

Bonfire CCPS Bids, GPR CCPS Bids, and E-rate Productivity Center (EPC)

October 17, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

RFP Submission Deadline November 19, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

Proposal Opening Zoom Meeting ID # 953267

November 19, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

Oral Presentations/Interviews or Demonstrations, if necessary

December 3 - 4, 2024

Procurement Representative Rose Tookes

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM

This form must be completed in its entirety and signed by the authorized representative or official submitting the response. This completed and signed form must be returned with each response. Failure to do so may render a proposal non-responsive.

Company Name:

Mailing Address:

(Street, City, State, Zip Code)

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Fax Number:

Social Security or Tax ID#:

Name of Authorized Representative:

(printed or typed only)

Title of Authorized Representative:

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Date of Signature:

mailto:purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/ https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index?persisted=true

Page 3 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION BEGINNING PAGE

Information and Instructions to Proponents 4

Submission of Responses 6

General Information 10

Introduction 10

Background 10 Objectives 10

Current Standards 10

Intent to Award 11

E-Rate Funds 11

Term of Agreement 11

Options/Optional Extensions 11 Scope of Services 11

Minimum Requirements 12

Sub Consultants and Contractors 12 Evaluation Process 12

Response Preparation and Guidelines 13

Response Format 13

Contents of Technical Response 14

CCPS Standard Draft Agreement 20

Required Form Submittals 20

Appendices

A. Code of Ethics B. General Terms and Conditions C. Required Forms D. SLBE Required Documents E. General School Holiday Schedule.

F. Current Facility Location List

G. E-rate Supplemental Terms & Conditions

Attachments A. Scope of Services B. Cost Proposal Form C. CCPS Standard Draft Agreement

Page 4 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure

RFP 013-25

A. INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPONENTS

1. Services Required: This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is to solicit proposals from qualified firms to provide Network Infrastructure for Clayton County Public Schools

(“CCPS”). A detailed Scope of Services (“SOS”) is set forth in this RFP.

2. Solicitation Method: This solicitation is being conducted in accordance with all applicable provisions of the CCPS Purchasing Policies and Procedures. By submitting responses in reference to this solicitation, a Proponent acknowledges familiarity with CCPS Purchasing Policy and Procedures and all laws applicable to this solicitation, which policies, procedures and laws are incorporated into this RFP by reference.

3. Minimum Qualification: Each Proponent shall have the minimum qualifications set forth in the RFP.

4. Criminal Background Check: By submitting a response in reference to this solicitation, the Proponent acknowledges that a satisfactory criminal background check and history may be required for anyone coming into direct or indirect contact with CCPS students at no cost to CCPS.

5. Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Georgia: Each Proponent must submit with its response documentation that demonstrates it is duly authorized to conduct business in the State of Georgia. This requirement also applies to Joint

Venture (JV) Team Members, Sub-Contractors and Sub-Sub-Contractors.

6. Business License: The Proponent is requested to submit a copy of its current, valid business license with its submittal. If the Proponent is a Georgia corporation, Proponent is requested to submit a valid county or city business license. If Proponent is a joint venture, Proponent is requested to submit valid business licenses for each member of the joint venture. If the Proponent is not a Georgia corporation, Proponent is requested to submit a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in the State of

Georgia and a copy of its current, valid business license issued by its home jurisdiction.

7. Professional License: The Proponent must attach a copy of any professional license required by this RFP with its submittal. All required licenses must be maintained for the duration of any contract award period.

8. Codes, Permits, Fees, Licenses and Laws: All permits, fees, arrangements for inspections, licenses, and costs incurred for the same shall be the sole responsibility of the successful Proponent. All services, labor, and materials must comply with all applicable rules and regulations of local, state and/or national codes, laws and

Page 5 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure ordinances of all authorities having jurisdiction over the project, which shall apply to the contract throughout and will be deemed to be included in the contract the same as though herein written out in full.

9. No Offer by CCPS and Firm Offer by Proponent: This solicitation does not constitute an offer by CCPS to enter into an agreement and cannot be accepted by any Proponent to form an Agreement. This solicitation is only an invitation for offers from interested Respondents and no offer shall bind CCPS. A Respondent’s offer is a firm offer and may not be withdrawn except as provided in this RFP, CCPS

Purchasing Policies and Procedures and other applicable law.

10. Georgia Open Records Act: Information provided to CCPS is subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et. seq. Pursuant to

O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(34), “[a]n entity submitting records containing trade secrets that wishes to keep such records confidential under this paragraph shall submit and attach to the records an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information in the records constitute trade secrets pursuant to Article 27 of Chapter 1 of Title 10

[O.C.G.A. § 10-1-760 et seq.]”.

11. Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act: This RFP is subject to the

Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 (“Act”), formerly known as the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act. Pursuant to Act, the

Proponent must provide with its submittal proof of its registration with and continuing and future participation in the E-Verify Program established by the United States

Department of Homeland Security. Completed Contractor Affidavit, Illegal

Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act Forms must be submitted with the

Response at the time of submission. Under State Law, the CCPS cannot consider any Response which does not include the completed forms. Where the business structure of a Proponent is such that Proponent is required to obtain an Employer

Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service, Proponent must complete the Contractor Affidavit on behalf of, and provide a Federal Work

Authorization User ID Number issued to, the Proponent itself. Where the business structure of a Proponent does not require it to obtain an EIN, each entity comprising

Proponent must submit a separate Contractor Affidavit. It is not the intent of this notice to provide detailed information or legal advice concerning the Act. All

Respondents intending to do business with CCPS are responsible for independently apprising themselves of and complying with the requirements of the Act and assessing its effect on CCPS solicitations and their participation in those solicitations. For additional information on the E-Verify program or to enroll in the program, go to: https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll.

12. Sub-Contractors and Manufacturers: Proponents are required to submit, in writing, the addresses of any proposed Sub-contractor or equipment manufacturers listed in the response and may be required to submit other material information relative to proposed Sub-contractor. County reserves the right to disapprove any proposed Sub-contractor whose technical or financial ability, or resources, or experience are deemed inadequate.

Page 6 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure

13. Inclusivity in Purchasing Policy: Proponents are required to comply with the

CCPS Inclusivity in Purchasing Policy (DJEAB) and Small Local Business Enterprise

Program.

14. Minority, Female Business and Local Enterprises: It is the intent of CCPS that

Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman Business Enterprises (WBE), and

Local and Small Business Enterprises (L/SBE) have an equal opportunity to participate in CCPS procurement opportunities. Proponents are encouraged to use said MBE, WBE and L/SBE’s whenever possible in the execution of any contract, however, CCPS does not provide a contracting preference and it is not the intent of CCPS to violate any local, state or federal laws.

15. Cooperative Agreement: CCPS may permit piggybacking or cooperative use of any contract resulting from this RFP by other city, county, local authority, agency, or board of education if the proponent will extend the same prices, terms, and conditions. This provision shall not apply to any contract where piggybacking or cooperative use is prohibited by law.

16. Reasonable Accommodation: CCPS will provide reasonable accommodations for

Proponents with a disability. Proponents should request reasonable accommodations by contacting Purchasing Department by email with the IFB name and number in the subject line to purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us. If accommodations at the pre-proposal conference are needed, please notify the Procurement Director at the email listed above no later than forty-eight (48) hours in advance.

17. Conflict of Interest: Proponents are advised to read and familiarize themselves with the conflict-of-interest provisions of this RFP contained in Appendix B, General

Terms and Conditions, and Required Form Submittals.

17.1 CCPS reserves the right to issue solicitations for specific projects that are independent of this RFP. Except as stated in this RFP, successful Proponents under this RFP are not precluded from responding to such solicitations.

17.2 All interests of CCPS employees, officers or elected officials in Proponent’s firm should be listed and disclosed with Proponent’s response to this RFP.

B. SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

1. Ownership of Responses: Each Response submitted to CCPS shall become the property of CCPS, without compensation to a Proponent, for use by CCPS, at its discretion. CCPS shall not be liable for any response preparation costs incurred by

Proponents, or for any subsequent work on the response or additional documentation required by CCPS.

2. Duration: Responses submitted in to this RFP must be valid for a period of one hundred-eighty (180) calendar days from the Response Submission Deadline and must be marked as such.

mailto:purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us

Page 7 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure

3. Submission Deadline: Sealed Responses to this RFP will be received by the CCPS

Purchasing Department until 3:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time (EST) on

Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The proposal opening will be held via Zoom at:

RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure Public Proposal Opening, Member ID: 933

3166 2005, Passcode: 953267. Attendance during the proposal opening is voluntary for Proponents responding to this RFP; however, Proponents are encouraged to attend.

3.1 Proponents must register in Bonfire as a vendor at:

https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=login in order to submit a proposal prior to the submission deadline.

3.2 Proposals and all required forms must be fully completed, signed in ink and uploaded in Bonfire under the correct solicitation (RFP 013-25

Network Infrastructure).

3.3 CCPS will only accept online submissions for this RFP. Oral, telephonic, facsimile, emailed and mailed proposals will not be considered.

3.4 For any technical questions or difficulties, contact Bonfire Support at https://support.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us.

4. Late Responses: Late Responses received will not be considered.

5. Pre-Proposal Conference: A Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference has been scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., EST. The Pre-Proposal

Conference will be held via Zoom at Meeting ID: 927 2385 8875, Passcode:

971922 . During the Pre-Proposal Conference. During the Pre-Proposal Conference, the general requirements of the project will be discussed. Any questions raised by potential Proponents will be discussed. Verbal answers to questions during the Pre-

Proposal Conference will not be authoritative. It should be emphasized, however, that nothing stated or discussed during the course of this conference call shall be considered to modify, alter or change the requirement of the solicitation documents, unless it shall be subsequently incorporated into an addendum to the solicitation documents.

6. Solicitation Questions: Any questions regarding this RFP should be submitted on or before Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., EST. All questions must be submitted in writing to the Director of Purchasing by email with the RFP name and number in the subject line to purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us. Questions received after the designated period may not be considered. Verbal responses are not authoritative. Answers to questions will be provided by addendum posted at Bonfire

CCPS Bids, GPR CCPS Bids and the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) at https://forms.universalservice.org/portal/login no later than 3:00 p.m., EST on

Thursday, October 17, 2024. It is the responsibility of each Proponent to obtain a copy of any Addendum issued for this solicitation.

7. Prohibited Contacts: All Proponents and representatives of Proponents are strictly prohibited from contacting CCPS employees, CCPS Officials, Elected Officials or any third-party representatives of CCPS on any matter having to do with this RFP.

All communications by any Proponent concerning this RFP must be made in writing https://clayton-k12-ga-us.zoom.us/j/93331662005?pwd=QMYxhbBhZlzmavSaIlO8qs82a9mlOG.1 https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=login https://support.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us mailto:purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/ https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/ https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/ https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index?persisted=true https://forms.universalservice.org/portal/login

Page 8 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure and sent to the Director of Purchasing by email at purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us with the RFP name and number in the subject line.

8. Oral Presentations/Interviews: Proponents may be required to make an oral presentation of their proposed solution to a CCPS Evaluation Committee.

Technically competent representatives from the Proponent’s team with the ability to respond to questions posed by CCPS must be active participants in the oral presentation. If required, oral presentations and interviews will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 through Wednesday, December 4, 2024. CCPS will notify responsive Proponents of the date, time and location for the presentation and interview, and will supply an agenda or topics for discussion.

9. Examination of Response Documents:

9.1 Each Proponent is responsible for examining with appropriate care the complete RFP and all Addenda and for informing itself with respect to all conditions.

9.2 Each Proponent shall promptly notify CCPS in writing should the

Proponent find discrepancies, errors, ambiguities or omissions in their

Response Documents, or should their intent or meaning appear unclear or ambiguous, or should any other question arise relative to the RFP.

Replies to such notices may be made in the form of an addendum to the

RFP, which will be posted on Bonfire CCPS Bids, GPR CCPS Bids and the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) at https://forms.universalservice.org/portal/login.

9.3 CCPS may in accordance with applicable law, by Addendum, modify any provision or part of the RFP at any time prior to the Response due date and time.

9.4 Each Proponent must confirm Addenda have been received and acknowledge receipt by executing the Acknowledgment of Addenda form provided with each Addendum.

9.5 CCPS may waive any technicalities and formalities. CCPS reserves the right to cancel the RFP in its entirety.

10. Bonding and Insurance Requirements: The Bonding and Insurance requirements for any Agreement that may be awarded pursuant to this RFP are set forth in

Appendix B, General Terms and Conditions. Proponent must provide a copy of a current certificate of insurance evidencing any existing commercial general liability policies issued for Proponent, if any. For purposes of this section, “Proponent” shall mean an individual, corporation or other corporate entity submitting a response in connection with this solicitation, including each Joint Venture partner if Proponent is a Joint Venture.

11. Protests: Protests dealing with specifications or the solicitation shall be filed not later than three (3) working days prior to the response due date. Other protests shall be filed not later than three (3) working days after the response due date, or if the protest is based on subsequent actions of CCPS, not later than three (3) working mailto:purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us https://claytonk12ga.bonfirehub.com/ https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index?persisted=true https://forms.universalservice.org/portal/login

Page 9 of 87 RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure days after the aggrieved person knows or should have knowledge, of the facts given rise to the protest. All Protests should specify exactly what is being protested.

Protests are considered filed when received by the Director of Purchasing by email with the RFP name and number in the subject line to purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us.

Protests which are not filed in a timely manner, as set forth above, will not be considered. Proponent agrees to pay for CCPS reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses of litigation for any protest arising out of this solicitation in which CCPS is a prevailing party. Only those who participated in the solicitation are eligible to protest.

--BALANCE OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK--

mailto:purchasing@clayton.k12.ga.us

RFP 013-25 Network Infrastructure

Initial Here

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION

Clayton County Public Schools (” CCPS” or “District”) is soliciting proposals from experienced individuals or firms (“Proponents”) to provide Network Infrastructure for the District. A detailed Scope of Services (“SOS”) is set forth in this RFP.

2. BACKGROUND

Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) is fully accredited through Cognia. The District offers a focused world-class program based on a challenging curriculum which is taught from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Serving over 52,000 students, CCPS is ranked among the 100 largest school districts in the U.S. Made up of nearly 70 schools and a variety of programs, the school system has over 7,400 employees. With a district-wide theme of Building a Better Tomorrow, Today, CCPS is providing boundless opportunities for its students to be prepared to live and succeed in a global economy while also providing state-of-the-art facilities for community and district growth and enrichment.

3. OBJECTIVE

CCPS is seeking proposals from firms with proven experience to replace existing switches consisting of Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Switches with new state-of-the-art cloud-managed switches. Proponents must have experience in providing network infrastructure equipment, installation, configuration, labeling, project management, and be able to provide a turnkey solution for a network infrastructure upgrade.

CCPS is requesting competitive proposals for the functional equivalents of Cisco Meraki C9300X-48HXM-M switches, Cisco Meraki C9300X-24Y-M switches.

4. CURRENT STANDARDS

CCPS currently has 5,677 Meraki wireless access points, 143 Meraki switches (located in our administrative locations) and 403 Meraki cameras. CCPS currently uses existing management tools such as Cisco Prime Network Control System and/or Cisco Meraki Cloud Managed Solution and supports Cisco Discovery Protocol. It is CCPS belief that our current network engineering and design make it cost-prohibitive to move to other network monitoring platforms and network protocols. Because of the substantial investment in management tools currently in place, CCPS prefers not to purchase additional tools. If the solution proposed requires new management tools, the Proponent must include all costs associated with CCPS being able to manage all network infrastructure under one management tool and a singular support mechanism. Solutions proposed should integrate into the existing environment seamlessly. All equipment should integrate into the managed network environment without additional management layers, cost, or training.

All contracts awarded by CCPS will be contingent upon the receipt of a Federal E- Rate Program Category Two Funding Commitment Decision Letter. All contracts awarded will be contingent upon approval by the CCPS. CCPS will wait until the Funding Commitment Decision Letter is released before ordering equipment or starting work. No billing can take place before July 1, 2025.

5. E-RATE FUNDS

CCPS plans to use E-rate funds to cover the discounted cost for this project. It is anticipated that the cost of the project will exceed the remaining pre-discount Category 2 (C2) budget. If so, CCPS will likely split the equipment request into two E-rate funding years. We would request equipment for FY 2025 that will fully utilize the remaining pre-discount C2 budget and then request the remainder of the equipment once C2 budgets are refreshed for FY 2026.

6. INTENT TO AWARD

CCPS intends to make one (1) award. However, to meet needs and demands CCPS reserves the right to make one (1) award, multiple awards or no award for RFP 013- 25 Network Infrastructure.

7. TERM OF AGREEMENT

The initial term of the Agreement and any optional extensions are collectively referred to as the “Term”. The initial term of this Agreement shall be for one (1) year.

This contract shall not be deemed to create a debt of CCPS for the payment of any sum beyond the initial term of the contract execution.

8. OPTIONS/OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

In addition to the initial term, there are three (3) one-year optional extensions to be exercised at the sole discretion of CCPS on the same terms, conditions, and pricing of the initial term.

9. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Proponent(s must comply with all Federal, State of Georgia and local regulations and laws applicable to E-Rate and providing network infrastructure. Proponents must provide all services as requested in this RFP in accordance with the Scope of Services, attached hereto as Attachment A, and incorporated herein by reference.

10. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

10.1 Proponent must employ qualified and manufacturer certified field engineers local to the Atlanta metro area for all products proposed.

10.2 Proponent must be an Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM] or authorized partner of OEM and not a subcontractor.

10.3 Proponent must be a participant in the Federal E-Rate Program with a SPIN number.

10.4 Proponent must have trained and certified engineers on staff for the solution presented and be able to perform engineering services in the areas of switching, routing and wireless technologies for a turnkey solution.

11. MININUM OR MAXIMUM FACILITIES

CCPS does not guarantee a minimum or maximum number of facilities that will require service as a result of this RFP. However, Proponents must demonstrate the capacity to concurrently provide the required services for all CCPS facilities.

12. SUB CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS

Proponent must ensure the responsibility standards for each of its Sub-Consultants and Sub-Contractors as listed below and in each and every part of this RFP.

Verification must include documentation that each Sub-Consultant or Sub-Contractor meets the responsibility criteria required to perform the work including any professional license, certification, insurance requirements of this RFP, any governmental agency having jurisdiction over the matter, or any law or regulation pertaining to the work or requirements. Proponent shall not furnish any statement, representation, or certification in connection with Sub-Consultants or Sub-

Contractors that is materially false, deceptive, incorrect or incomplete. Failure of the

Proponent to provide information concerning the responsibility of any Sub-Consultant or Sub-Contractor may result in a finding that the Proponent is not responsible. All proposed Sub-Consultants and Sub-Contractors shall be listed in the Proponent’s response. Proponent shall ensure that all proposed Sub-Contractors have adequate personnel, past experience, adequate facilities, finances and business systems to perform the scope of services. CCPS reserves the right to approve all Sub-

Contractors and Sub-Consultants.

13. EVALUATION PROCESS

CCPS desires to select the Proponent(s) whose response(s) are determined to be the most advantageous considering the technical evaluation criteria listed below.

All Responses will be evaluated in accordance with CCPS Policies and Procedures, and the criteria specified in this RFP. An Evaluation Committee will evaluate the Responses using the following:

Relative

Weight

ITEM FOR EVALUATION Maximum Points

5% Executive Summary 5

20% Technical and Methodology Capabilities 20

15% Experience, Qualifications and Location of Key Staff 15

15% Experience and Performance on Other Projects 15

10% Organizational and Financial Capability 10

30% Cost Proposal 30

5% Small Local Business Enterprise Participation 5

100% TOTAL SCORE 100

Oral Presentations/Interviews

Oral presentations/interviews may be required before the final selection and award. Additional points for oral presentations, interviews or site visits will be added to the Proponent’s total score.

Scoring

Value

Maximum

Points

14. RESPONSE PREPARATION AND GUIDELINES

14.1 RESPONSE FORMAT

Proponents are required to submit the responses in the following format:

14.1.1 Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal shall include responses to all of the information requested in the RFP and shall be tabbed to identify the specific components. The Proponent should include all strategies, solutions and services proposed in response to the requirements of the RFP. All forms required by CCPS or provided by the Proponent should be included. Any requests for clarification, exceptions or amendments to the RFP, including the draft agreement, must be clearly identified and labeled and submitted with your technical response. CCPS is under no obligation to accept exceptions and any such exceptions may be a basis for disqualification.

Please do not include any cost of any kind in this section. Inclusion of cost in the Technical Proposal may cause a proposal to be excluded for non-compliance.

14.1..2 Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal Form affixed hereto as

Attachment B, must be completed in its entirety, signed and uploaded separately from the Proponent’s Technical Proposal. The Cost

Proposal Form will become a part of any contract resulting from this

RFP. CCPS may solicit Best and Final Offers, and discussions may be conducted with responsible proponents who submit proposals determined reasonably susceptible to being selected for award.

Please do not include any exceptions to the RFP in the Cost

Proposal. Please do not include any exceptions, assumptions or clarifications to the RFP in the Cost Proposal. Inclusion of exceptions in the Cost Proposal may cause a proposal to be excluded for non-compliance.

14.2 CONTENTS OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

The Response shall include a reply to all of the information requested in this

RFP. Brevity and specificity are encouraged. Concise presentation of pertinent information and organization of the submittal will be part of the evaluation.

CCPS prefers a well-planned, straightforward business presentation with brief explanations. Responses with verbose or disorganized responses will be judged accordingly. The Response format described herein may not fully capture the particulars of all the information requested by the RFP. Should there be any doubt as to where to place any information, use best judgment.

The following is a more detailed description of the requirements of certain portions of the Technical Response. The Technical Response shall be tabbed and organized as follows, with a suggested total page limit of one-hundred

(100) (excluding the Required Form Submittals).

14.3 Letter of Transmittal. Letter transmitting the Response, identifying the team members and providing a designated point of contact, including name, title, address, email address, and telephone numbers for one (1) individual to whom all future correspondence and/or communications should be directed by CCPS concerning this solicitation. The letter should include a narrative statement of the Proponent’s approach to providing the Goods and/or Services solicited in this RFP.

14.3.1 Executive Summary. The purpose of the Executive Summary is to provide an overview of the Proponent’s qualifications to accomplish the project and must be no more than three (3) pages stating the agency’s interest and proposed commitment to providing Network

Infrastructure. At a minimum, the Executive Summary must contain the following information:

14.3.1.1 Complete legal name of the Proponent and the name and legal structure of the legal entities that comprise the

Proponent. The Proponent must provide the domicile where each entity comprising it is organized, entity name, brief history of the entity, contact name, address, phone number, email, and a listing of major satellite offices;

14.3.1.2 A declarative statement as to whether;

14.3.1.2.1 Proponent or any member of the Proponent’s

team has an open dispute with CCPS or is involved in any litigation associated with work in progress or completed in both the private and public sector during the past five (5) years;

14.3.1.2.2 Proponent has within the past ten (10) years

filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, whether voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee or assignee for the benefit of creditors. If so, please provide an explanation;

14.3.1.2.3 Proponent has failed to complete work or a

contract awarded to Proponents. If so, please provide an explanation;

14.3.1.2.4 Proponent or any of the Proponent’s personnel, agents, independent Proponents or Sub- Proponents have been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contender to any felony. If so, please provide an explanation and details.

14.3.1.2.5 Provide a summary of the other sections of the

Response. All sections should fit together into a well-organized highlight of the significant points of the Response.

14.3.1.2.6 Provide general specific capabilities and

experience of the Proponent’s team. Each

Proponent must identify examples where team members have worked together to complete a project, discuss how the team was formed and how the team will function as an integrated unit in providing services.

14.4 TECHNICAL AND METHODOLOGY CAPABILITES

Proponent must describe in detail the methodology and procedures that are to be used to accomplish the CCPS requirements for this RFP that will produce the required outcomes for the project specified herein. Proponent must explain its approach in terms of management, organization, process, tools and techniques, staff and quality assurance/quality control. Such information must include but not be limited to:

14.4.1 Proponent must describe the ability of the proposed solution to meet the

CCPS preference for compatibility with the existing CCPS equipment and network management tools.

14.4.2 Proponent must describe how your make and model is equivalent to the makes and models listed on the Cost Proposal Form if you are proposing an alternate.

14.4.3 If proposing alternates, include all costs associated with all of the equipment needed to achieve the same level of the existing network management with a single network management console within your cost proposal. Please do not include any cost in your technical proposal.

14.4.4 Proponent must describe how they will initiate and facilitate support calls and troubleshooting with our current network infrastructure vendor if you are proposing an alternate.

14.4.5 CCPS prefers that the proposed solution supports CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol). If the proposed solution does not meet this preference, please provide pricing for all equipment needed to support the network discovery protocol of the proposed solution throughout the entire CCPS network within your cost proposal. Please do not include any cost in your technical proposal.

14.4.6 Proponent’s must provide the Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and FCC Registration Numbers (FRN).

14.4.7 Proponent must list the vendor technical service hours. Please identify as “Normal Business Hours” and “After Hours.”

14.4.8 Please identify Proponent’s response time for (a) emergency/critical engineering requests and (b) non-critical engineering requests.

14.4.9 Proponent must provide a sample implementation plan with a timeline from award through completion of installation with clearly identified roles and responsibilities for Proponent and CCPS.

14.4.10 If proposing alternates, Proponent must describe the amount of time and the method (in-person, remote or self-paced) of training that will be provided to CCPS employees. If training is not provided at no cost, please include training costs in your cost proposal. Please do not include cost in your technical proposal.

14.4.11 Proponent must provide information pertaining to the proposed solution as follows:

14.4.11.1 The ability and method used for power redundancy (i.e. power stacking, dual power supplies, etc.);

14.4.11.2 The ability and method used for creating switch stacks with a minimum of 480G stack bandwidth;

14.4.11.3 The ability to provide POE power up to POE+;

14.4.11.4 The ability to support CDP & LLDP. (Identify neighbors for power management negotiation and trust boundary without access control lists);

14.4.11.5 The ability to support Smart-Install or equivalent technology; zero touch install and ability to automate configuration and image download;

14.4.11.6 The ability to support Auto Smart Ports or equivalent technology.

(Identifies type of device and sets up ports with template to correct VLAN and various settings. When a device is unplugged from port, port settings return to default);

14.4.11.7 The ability to support Security Group Tag (SGT) Exchange Protocol (SXP) or similar technology;

14.4.11.8 The ability to provide TrustSec services or similar technology;

14.4.11.9 The ability to provide a multi-year warranty on switches. Provide details on which switches have a limited lifetime warranty, the terms of the limited lifetime warranty, and which switches are not covered;

14.4.11.10 The ability to monitor and manage network hardware from Android, iOS and/or web dashboard applications, including but not limited to:

power cycling, port configuration, display graphical network topology, receive alerts when configuration changes occur, run packet captures, display analytics, etc. CCPS prefers to be able to manage all existing network infrastructure and new proposed network infrastructure in one dashboard. If the proposed solution cannot be managed in the same dashboard as the existing network equipment, include all costs associated with all equipment needed to achieve the same level of existing network management with a single network management console within your cost proposal. Please do not include any cost in your technical proposal; and

14.4.11.11 The ability to show placement of devices on a customized map per network location.

14.5 Experience, Qualifications and Location of Key Staff. Describe the experience and qualifications of Proponent’s key staff. Information must include, but not limited to, the following:

14.5.1 Provide an organizational chart, and a short, narrative overview highlighting the roles of Proponent’s proposed key staff, the number of local field engineers, their names, resumes, and proof of current certifications, and all proposed Sub-Consultants;

14.5.2 Provide telephone numbers of Proponent’s key staff who can be reached after normal business hours in the event of an emergency;

14.5.3 A description of the experience and applicable certifications, awards and authorizations of the staff who will provide services to CCPS;

14.5.4 Provide the local Atlanta area manufacturer certified sales and support staff for all products proposed; and proposed;

and;

14.5.5 Provide Proponent’s geographical location of the

office that will be primarily responsible for CCPS projects.

14.6 Experience and Performance on Other Projects. Describe the

Proponent’s experience and qualifications in providing services as widely described in the Scope of Services. Include examples of the project management that you have demonstrated while performing services for other K-12 clients.

14.6.1 Include four (4) references for which Proponent has

provided services similar in size and scope.as those required by this RFP. References are to be provided utilizing the References and Release Form provided in Appendix C, Required Forms;

14.7 Organizational and Financial Capability. To facilitate the efforts of CCPS to evaluate, verify, and understand the Proponent’s financial capacity, capability and stability to undertake and perform the Services contemplated in this RFP, The Proponent must provide accurate and legible financial disclosures to CCPS as requested below. By definition, a “Proponent” is an individual, entity or partnership submitting a response to this RFP. The Proponent may present additional evidence of financial ability or financial surety it deems appropriate, but must first comply with the following:

14.7.1 Instructions: If the Proponent is an individual, financial disclosures for that individual must be provided. If the

Proponent is an entity or partnership, financial disclosures for that entity or partnership must be provided. If the Proponent is a newly formed entity or partnership (formed within the last three years), financial disclosures for that entity or partnership must be provided together with full financial disclosure from the entity’s or partnership’s owners. Financial

Disclosure includes a full response to all questions and requests for documentation listed below. The Proponent (and its owners, if applicable) must submit copies of all financial disclosures with its response.

14.7.2 Financial Information: The Proponent and its owners, if applicable, should demonstrate its financial capability and stability by selecting and providing documentation from one of the following three groups of requests below with the

Response.

14.7.2.1 Financial statements for the three (3) most

recent consecutive fiscal years, audited by a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”), including:

Income Statement; Balance Sheet; and Statement of Cash Flows.

14.7.2.2 Financial statements for the three (3) most

recent consecutive fiscal years, either reviewed or compiled by a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”), including: Income Statement; Balance Sheet; and Satisfactory proof of Proponent’s ability to obtain a Performance Bond for the amount described in Appendix B, if applicable.

CCPS will not accept a financial statement link in lieu of the paper financial statements.

14.7.2.3 Unaudited, self-prepared financial statements

for the three (3) most recent consecutive fiscal years, including: Income Statement; Balance Sheet; Satisfactory proof of Proponent’s ability to obtain a Performance Bond for the amount described in Appendix B, if applicable; Letters of Reference; and Dunn and Bradstreet reports for the last two (2) years.

15. CCPS STANDARD AGREEMENT

The Draft Agreement included as Attachment C is a standard CCPS document which should be thoroughly reviewed by all Proponents prior to submitting a proposal. Any proposed revisions to the terms or language of this RFP must be clearly identified and submitted in writing with Proponent’s response. Since proposed revisions may result in a proposal being rejected if the revisions are unacceptable to CCPS, Proponents should review any proposed revisions carefully. Refer to Information and Instructions to Proponents, Award and Execution of Agreement in this RFP.

Modifications or additions to the CCPS Standard Contract will not be entertained after contract award.

16. REQUIRED FORM SUBMITTALS

The forms and documents contained in Appendix C, Required Forms, are mandatory forms required to be submitted with each proposal. Failure to provide the information or documentation required may cause a proposal to be declared non-responsive and rejected. Failure to have an authorized representative sign all documents at the signature line, or failure to have all documents properly notarized as requested, may cause a proposal to be declared non-responsive and rejected.

APPENDIX A

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

CODE OF ETHICS

The Purchasing Department abides by the Code of Ethics promulgated by the

National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and the following:

I. Give first consideration to the mission and policies of Clayton County Public Schools.

II. Strive to obtain maximum value for each dollar spent.

III. Decline personal favors, gifts, and gratuities. Grant all competitive Respondents fair and equal consideration.

IV. Conduct business with potential and current Respondents in an atmosphere of good faith.

V. Demand honesty in sales representations whether offered through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an advertisement, or a sample of the product.

VI. Receive consent from the originator for the use of proprietary ideals and designs.

VII. Make a reasonable effort to obtain equitable settlement of any controversy with a

Contractor.

VIII. Accord a prompt and courteous reception insofar as conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business missions.

IX. Create an environment of fair, ethical, and legal business practices.

X. Protect Clayton County Public Schools’ interest by ensuring that Respondents honor all terms of their contract.

APPENDIX B

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The General Terms and Conditions contained in this Request for Proposal (RFP) apply to all solicitations. Where there are specific or special conditions contained herein that conflict with the General Information and Instructions, the more specific or special conditions will prevail. The terms Contractor, Supplier, Provider and Proponent may be used interchangeably herein.

I. Contract Extension. Upon executing its option to extend, CCPS will notify the

Contractor of such extension, at which time the Contractor shall be bound to provide Services during such extension term, without the need for the Parties to execute any further documents evidencing such extension, it being acknowledged by the Contractor that its initial execution of this Agreement is deemed its agreement to continue to provide Services during any extension term.

II. Payment. A purchase order will be issued to authorize the purchase of the non-discounted shared costs. Delivery/release of services is not authorized until the receipt of a purchase order.

a. The Service Provider (or bidder, vendor, whatever) agrees to bill and receive a portion of the payment for the provisions of goods and services described herein directly from USAC via the Form 474 Service Provider Invoice (SPI).

The District will only be responsible for paying its non‐discounted share of costs and does not intend to use the BEAR process (Form 472). Indicate your understanding and agreement to these terms with response.

b. The awarded Service Provider is required to send copies of all forms and invoices to the District prior to invoicing USAC for pre-approval. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the District placing the vendor on an “Invoice Check” with the USAC.

III. Non-Appropriation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, the parties hereto agree that the charges hereunder are payable to the Contractor by CCPS solely from appropriations received by CCPS. In the event such appropriations are determined, in the sole discretion of the Chief Financial Officer of CCPS, no longer to exist or to be insufficient with respect to the charges payable hereunder, this agreement shall terminate without further obligation of CCPS at the end of any fiscal period (hereinafter referred to as “Event”). In such Event, the Chief Financial Officer for CCPS shall certify to the Contractor the occurrence thereof, and such certification shall be conclusive.

IV. Scope of Services. Contractor shall provide Services as requested by CCPS in accordance with the RFP and Scope of Services.

V. Compliance with Laws, Licenses, Permits. Contractor shall comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to its responsibilities under this Agreement. During the term of this Agreement the Contractor shall maintain all licensing and permits required to provide Services. Failure to maintain such licensing shall be cause for termination of this Agreement. Contractor shall obtain and maintain all permits, licenses, certifications and approvals as required by all regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the assigned Services, including any regulatory agencies of CCPS.

VI. Insurance.

Proof of insurance shall be provided within 15 days of the date of written notification of award.

a. The following general requirements apply to any and all work under this contract by all Contractors and Sub-Contractors, where applicable, of any tier.

1. Any and all insurance required by this contract shall be maintained during the entire length of this contract, including any extensions thereto, and until all work has been completed to the satisfaction of Clayton County Public Schools.

Any and all insurance must be on an occurrence basis.

No Contractor or Sub-contractor shall commence any work of any kind under a contract until all insurance requirements contained within the solicitation have been complied with and until evidence of all insurance requirements have been received demonstrating such compliance in each and every contract with each and every sub-contractor of any tier.

2. Clayton County Public Schools shall be covered as an Additional Insured under any and all insurance required by the contract. Confirmation of this shall appear on all certificates of insurance and on any and all applicable policies.

3. Clayton County Public Schools shall be given no less than thirty (30) days’ notice of cancellation. Clayton County Public Schools shall be given not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice of material changes of any insurance required under this contract.

4. Each and every agent shall warrant when signing the certificate of insurance that he is acting as an authorized representative on behalf of the companies affording insurance coverage under the contract and that he is licensed by the

State of Georgia to conduct insurance business in the State of Georgia and that the companies affording insurance coverage are currently licensed by the

State of Georgia and are currently in good standing with the Commissioner of

Insurance for the State of Georgia.

5. Any and all companies providing insurance required by a contract must meet the minimum financial security requirements as set forth below. The rating for each company must be indicated on the certificate of insurance. For all contracts, regardless of risk, companies providing insurance under this contract must have a current:

a. Best’s Rating not less than A, and

b. Best’s Financial Size Category not less than Class VII

6. In the event the Contractor neglects, refuses, or fails to provide the insurance required by the Contract Documents, or if such insurance is cancelled for any reason, CCPS shall have the right, but not the duty, to procure the same, and the cost thereof shall be deducted from monies then due or thereafter to become due to the Contractor or shall have the right to cancel the contract.

b. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance

The Contractor shall procure and maintain Worker’s Compensation and

Employer’s Liability Insurance in the following limits. Such insurance is to cover each and every employee who is or may be engaged in work under the contract.

Worker’s Compensation Statutory

Employer’s Liability

Bodily Injury by Accident $100,000 each accident

Bodily Injury by Disease $100,000 each employee

Bodily Injury by Disease $500,000 policy limit

c. Comprehensive General Liability and Professional Liability Insurance The

Contractor shall procure and maintain Comprehensive Insurance and also

Professional Liability Insurance in an amount not less than

$1,000,000.00 each for bodily injury and property damage combined single limit. The following specific extensions of coverage shall be provided and indicated on the certificate of insurance.

1. Comprehensive Form

2. Contractual Insurance

3. Personal Injury

4. Broad Form Property Damage

5. Premises – Operations

6. Completed Operations

This coverage shall cover the use of all equipment, hoists, and vehicles on the site(s) not covered by Automobile Liability under the contract. Policy coverage must be on an occurrence basis.

d. Automobile Liability Insurance

The Contractor shall procure and maintain Automobile Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 for bodily injury and property damage combined single limit.