RFP 2025 Wide Area Network Services .pdf

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 1

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

1126 RUSSELL CAVE ROAD

LEXINGTON, KY 40505

www.fcps.net/bids

Request for Proposals Number and Title Department RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services Technology Due Date/Time: Term of Contract

Tuesday, August 1, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM Local Time

July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 with optional annual renewal

There will be a pre-bid conference at 9:00 A.M., June 26, 2025 in Conference Room 106 at

1126 Russell Cave Road. Interested bidders are highly recommended to attend.

FCPS now uses an internet based platform for all of our Bids and RFPs. Any notifications, including amendments to bids, post bid award notices and future bid advertisements, will be made through this platform. Please go to www.fcps.net/bids to register as a vendor and keep your profile updated to insure you are up to date on all FCPS Bids.

Firm Name

Address City/State/Zip

Telephone/Fax Email

________/_____/____________ or __________/__________________ Social Security Number Employer Identification Number http://www.fcps.net/bids http://www.fcps.net/bids

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 2

THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, THE RFP DOCUMENT, AND A

SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR’S RESPONSE CONSTITUTE THE FINAL

CONTRACT/AGREEMENT BETWEEN FCPS AND OFFEROR. NO CONTRACT/

AGREEMENT TERMS REQUIRED BY BIDDER WILL BE CONSIDERED BY FCPS

THAT ARE NOT SUBMITTED WITHIN THE RESPONSE. A SUCCESSFUL

OFFEROR UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THIS AS ESSENTIAL TO THE AWARD

OF THE RFP. A SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS ANY SUBSEQUENT

DOCUMENT FOR FCPS TO ACCEPT/SIGN UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT

THIS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED OR ACCEPTED BY FCPS.

FOLLOWING THE SUBMISSION OF A RESPONSE AND THE AWARD OF THE RFP

SHOULD A SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR TAKE THE POSITION THAT AN

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENT WITH ADDITIONAL TERMS IS REQUIRED FOR A

SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR TO COMPLY WITH TERMS OF THE RFP, THE RFP

AWARD SHALL BE CONSIDERED VOID AND OFFEROR MAY BE DEBARRED

FROM FUTURE WORK WITH FCPS.

CERTIFICATE MUST BE EXECUTED BY OFFEROR/ PROPOSING FIRM

In compliance with this Request for Proposals (RFP), in consideration of the detailed description attached hereto and subject to all conditions thereof, the undersigned agrees, if this bid is accepted, to furnish any or all of the items and services upon which prices are quoted in accordance with the specifications listed herein.

Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver all items/services set forth or otherwise identified in document and on any additional sheets subject to the terms and conditions herein.

To be signed by offeror:

Company Name ___________________________

Name _______________________________ Title _____________________________

Signature _____________________________________________

Acceptance (to be signed if awarded contract)

Board of Education of Fayette County Kentucky

Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent Date

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 3

General Terms and Conditions

1. Offerors are advised that any contract resulting from this solicitation must comply with all applicable provisions of KRS 45A and other statutes and policies noted in this solicitation.

2. Model Procurement Regulations adopted by the Fayette County Board of Education shall be deemed incorporated by reference in all specifications as though quoted fully herein.

3. The Fayette County Board of Education (Board) implemented revised procedures as of July

1, 2016 for the submission of bids and proposals. In all Fayette County Public School (FCPS) bidding procedures, all potential offerors that will be using subcontractors are to engage in specifically defined efforts with the Department of Economic Development to include minority-owned and women-owned business contractors, subcontractors, vendors and suppliers.

4. FCPS Department of Economic Development and Purchasing Department are available to assist and provide a listing, upon request, of certified minority-owned, women-owned and veteran business enterprises (MWVBE). Offerors may consult the list for inclusion of subcontractors currently participating with the offeror. The list is not all-inclusive and may contain only the names of businesses that have self registered with the Board and have become approved contractors or vendors by contacting either Department of Economic Development, Division of Physical Support and Purchasing Department and are MWVBE certified. Offerors may use other properly certified MWBE subcontractors as long as proper certification is provided.

5. When line item pricing is requested, prices must be stated in units of quantity as specified and extended in total column for each item and/or lot. Proposal prices must include transportation and delivery/service to the warehouse or building as specified.

6. To receive consideration proposals must be received prior to time designated in this solicitation. None shall be accepted thereafter.

7. An officer or member of the proposing firm authorized to legally bind the firm must sign the bid/proposal.

8. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept any bid/proposal, to reject any or all bids/proposals, to waive any irregularities or informalities in bids/proposals received where such acceptance, rejection or waiver is considered to be in its best interest. The Board of Education reserves the right to award by item, combination of items or lot. The Board of Education also reserves the right to reject any bid/proposal where evidence or information submitted by the bidder does not provide satisfactory proof that the bidder is qualified to carry out the details of the contract.

9. By submitting a bid/proposal in response to this solicitation, the respondent accepts the evaluation process and methodology, as well as acknowledges and accepts that the

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 4 determination of "the most qualified and capable" firm(s) will require subjective judgments by the Fayette County Board of Education.

10. Proposals are effective for sixty (60) days from date of closing unless otherwise specified in conditions of bidding and general specifications.

11. Manufacturer’s catalog numbers, trade names, etc., where shown herein are for descriptive purposes to guide the offeror in interpreting the standard of quality, design and performance desired, and should not be construed to exclude proposals based on furnishing other types of materials or service. However, any substitution or departure proposed by the offeror must be clearly noted and described. Otherwise it is understood that the offeror intends to supply items specifically mentioned in this solicitation. FCPS reserves the right to determine if materials offered are the type and quality required.

12. Samples requested must be furnished free of expense to the Board. If not destroyed or consumed in testing or evaluating, or required in connection with the award, samples will upon request be returned at the offeror's expense. Right is reserved to mutilate or destroy any samples if considered necessary for testing purposes.

13. If awarded an order or contract, offeror agrees to protect, defend and save harmless The

Board from suits or demands for payment that may be brought against it for the use of any patented materials, process, article or device that may enter into the manufacture, construction or form a part of the work covered by either order or contract. Offeror further agrees to indemnify and save harmless The Board from suits or actions of every nature and description brought against it for, or on account of injuries or damages received or sustained by any party or parties by, or for any acts of the offeror, his servants or agents.

14. The Board is not required to pay federal excise taxes or Kentucky Sales and Use

Taxes. Proposals must be priced accordingly and reflect no sales tax to FCPS.

15. Offerors remain liable for applicable taxes on construction and/or furnish-and-install contracts for FCPS. Adjustments and allowances for any applicable taxes shall be provided for in the bid amount. Later adjustments to the Contract Sum shall not be permitted and/or made on this basis by FCPS.

16. Parties to this agreement are solely responsible for costs incurred in fulfilling obligations under this agreement unless otherwise provided in this agreement. No party shall have any claim against the other party for reimbursement of such costs, unless said costs are attributable to enforcing compliance under this agreement or seeking redress from the other party’s default under this agreement.

17. If any section, paragraph or clause of this contract is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of said section, paragraph or clause shall not affect any remaining provisions herein.

18. Venue for any legal action filed concerning this contract is Fayette County, Kentucky.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 5

19. Parties shall not discriminate in any of the services performed in connection with this contract on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, genetic information, disability, religion, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity.

20. K45A.455 PROHIBITS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, GRATUITIES AND

KICKBACKS TO EMPLOYEES OF THE BOARD IN CONNECTION WITH

CONTRACTS FOR SUPPLIES OR SERVICES WHETHER DIRECT OR

INDIRECT.

21. KRS 45A.990 PROVIDES SEVERE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF LAWS

RELATING TO GRATUITIES OR KICKBACKS TO EMPLOYEES DESIGNED TO

SECURE A PUBLIC CONTRACT FOR SUPPLIES OR SERVICES.

22. Any addendums or updates to the solicitation will be posted on the district web site. It is the offeror’s responsibility to check the website for any updates.

23. To be eligible for a contract consideration with FCPS, all companies with nexus in

Lexington, Kentucky must be current on all filings and payments of Occupational License and Net Profits Tax for Schools. If it is determined that you are not current on all filings and payments, your bid may be rejected or your contract canceled for noncompliance. For additional information regarding the Occupational License Tax, please visit our website at www.fcps.net/tax.

24. All responses to this solicitation become the exclusive property of FCPS. All proposals received in response to this solicitation become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as public records, with the exception of, as required by KRS 61.878(1)(c)(1), those elements in each bid which are defined by the offeror as business or trade secrets and plainly marked as “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary.” FCPS shall not in any way be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any such proposal or portions thereof if they are not plainly marked as “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary” or if disclosure is required under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 61. Any proposal which contains language purporting to render all or significant portions of the proposal “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary” may be regarded as non-responsive.

Although KRS 61.878(1)(c)(1) recognizes that certain confidential trade secret information may be protected from disclosure, FCPS may not accept or approve that the information that an offeror submits is a trade secret. If a request is made for information marked “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary,” and FCPS does not believe that the information is a trade secret, FCPS shall provide the proposer who submitted the information with reasonable notice to allow the proposer to seek protection from disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction.

25. To meet Kentucky Revised Statutes 45A.430 and 45A.435 purchase orders for construction that are issued that are under $100,000.00 will not require a bond. Purchase Orders issued that exceed $100,000.00 will require the contractor to bond. No work shall begin until the offeror has a FCPS issued Purchase Order in hand and has delivered the required Performance and Payment bond to the Department that issued the Purchase Order.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 6

26. The offeror agrees to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. The Offeror agrees to report each violation to the USDA and the appropriate EPA Regional Office.

27. The Offeror agrees to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

The Offeror agrees to report each violation to the USDA and the appropriate EPA Regional Office.

28. The bidder certifies that it has read and will comply with the Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99)

29. By submitting a bid/proposal, the offeror is indicating that they have read, understand and agree to all terms, conditions and specifications outlined in this proposal.

30. Each proposer by submission of bid/proposal releases Fayette County Public Schools, its

Board of Education, employees and agents from any claims arising out of, or in any way related to, the bid/RFP process and the selection of provider.

31. Modifications, additions or changes to the terms and conditions of this solicitation may be cause for rejection of the proposal. Offerors are requested to submit proposals on FCPS official forms. Proposals submitted on company forms may be rejected.

32. Successful offeror shall provide to the Fayette County Board of Education an invoice for supplies/services rendered under this contract and any agreed upon expenses to be reimbursed. Unless otherwise stated, travel and per diem shall be reimbursed based upon the district’s current travel policies.

33. Payments for bid items are normally approved at the regularly scheduled meeting of the

Board on the fourth Monday of most months provided bid items and invoices are properly received by the first Monday of the month. However, payments may be made early to take advantage of cash discounts offered provided the taking of such discounts is advantageous to FCPS.

34. Sole proprietors or partnerships must supply Taxpayer Identification Numbers with proposal. Corporations are excluded from this requirement.

35. If there is a conflict between the terms of this document and any document submitted by the offeror the RFP document takes precedence.

36. Offeror agrees to abide by any reasonable request made by FCPS Administration regarding implementation of this contract.

37. FCPS reserves the right to cancel contract if in the staff’s opinion the offeror’s work is unsatisfactory, their ability to meet completion schedules is unsatisfactory or billing is

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 7 found to be excessive for work performed. Offeror may terminate the contract if FCPS fails to meet the specified payment terms.

38. Either party shall have the right to terminate this agreement at any time upon a fourteen (14) day written notice, either personally delivered or served by some form of return receipt mail evidencing delivery, to the other party.

39. Successor in Interest or Contractor Name Changes

No assignment of this contract without specific, written pre-approval of FCPS. Failure to get this written, pre-approval by FCPS shall VOID the assignment and the contractor on this contract shall remain responsible for continued compliance with terms of this RFP/response.

40. Offeror Initiated Requirements

Requirements that the offeror has or shall need if awarded the contract must be provided as part of the proposal response.

41. Additionally, the offeror shall provide documents necessary to initiate a contractual relationship between the offeror and FCPS. Conflicts that exist with the content of this RFP, board policy or regulation and offeror initiated requirements may result in the rejection of the proposal.

42. Contract may be renewed for four additional one (1)-year terms, up to a total of five (5) years subject to approval of both The Board and successful offeror. Contract prices and discounts shall remain in effect for the entire contract and any agreed upon contract extensions, however additional discounts and/or special pricing are encouraged and may be accepted when consistent with other terms and conditions of the contract. If contract prices are changed during the renewal, the offeror must provide new pricing and include sufficient reasoning for the price increase at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the contract.

43. This contract may be re-negotiated during annual renewal based upon, but not limited to, increases in services to participants. Any modifications shall be agreed to in writing and signed by both parties.

44. The staff providing services to the Board herein are employees of the Second Party and shall not represent to anyone that they are employees or agents of the Board.

45. Consumption of alcohol or drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use of tobacco products or possession of firearms while on a job for FCPS by any worker is strictly prohibited. Any contractor, subcontractor or person working for the contractor or subcontractor who violates rules regarding alcohol, drugs, tobacco products or firearms is subject to immediate removal from the job site. Violation of rules is considered a breach of contract between the contractor and FCPS and may lead to the termination of said contract FOR CAUSE by FCPS.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 8

46. FCPS does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318) to not discriminate in such a manner. Further, FCPS does not discriminate on the basis of disabling condition, in treatment, admission or access to, or employment in its programs or activities as required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), as amended, Section

504. Nor does FCPS discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, genetic information, disability, religion, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity in the education programs or activities it operates.

47. Suspension and Debarment

The Offeror understands that a contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

By signing and submitting its bid or proposal, the offeror or proposer certifies as follows:

The certification in this clause is a material of fact relied upon by FCPS. If it is later determined that the offeror or proposer knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to remedies available to FCPS, the Federal Government may pursue available remedies, including but not limited to suspension and/or debarment. The offeror or proposer agrees to comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 180.220 while this offer is valid and throughout the period of any contract that may arise from this offer. The offeror or proposer further agrees to include a provision requiring such compliance in its lower tier covered transactions.

48. Purchases by other Kentucky Government Entities:

Any government entity in Kentucky shall have the option of making purchases from a contract executed under this solicitation when such actions are agreed to by the awarded vendor(s). FCPS will not be responsible for payment of any purchases by another government entity.

49. State law requires a contractor that is providing services to students on a regularly scheduled and continuing basis to submit to a state criminal history background check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and have a letter, provided by the individual, from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services stating the individual is clear to hire based on no findings of substantiated child abuse or neglect found through a background check of child abuse and neglect records maintained by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Prior to the provision of services by any contractor/sub-contractor, contractor agrees to obtain and submit a current KY State Police and FBI background check and a have a letter provided by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Child Abuse and Neglect per KRS160.380. The provider will contact the FCPS Human Resources Department Application Center to initiate this process or submit these documents if obtained elsewhere.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 9

A fee of $40 for the State/FBI check and $10 for the Child Abuse and Neglect letter will apply and the cost will be the responsibility of the contractor when having FCPS run the reports. This fee can be paid via check or money order made out to Fayette County Public Schools. Existing background checks within one year will be accepted, with the approval from FCPS Human Resources department. If there is a break in service, a new background check must be completed.

Purchases by FCPS Food Service

50. “Domestic Commodity or Product” are defined as an agricultural commodity that is produced in the United States and a food product that is processed in the United States using substantial agricultural commodities that are produced in the United States.

51. “Substantial” means that over 51% of the final processed product consists of agricultural commodities that were grown domestically.

52. Products from Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Northern

Mariana Islands are allowed under this provision as territories of the United States.

53. The Buy American provision (7 CFR Part 210.21 (d)) is one of the procurement standards

SFAs must comply with when purchasing commercial food products served in the school meals programs.

54. Buy American: Schools participating in the federal school meal programs are required to purchase domestic commodities and products for school meals to the maximum extent practicable. Domestic commodity or product means an agricultural commodity that is produced in the US and a food product that is processed in the US substantially (at least 51 percent) using agricultural commodities that are produced in the US.

55. Federal regulations require that all foods purchased for Child Nutrition Program be of domestic origin to the maximum extent practicable. While rare, two (2) exceptions may exist when:

56. The product is not produced or manufactured in the US in sufficient, reasonable and available quantities of a satisfactory quality, such as bananas or pineapple; and

57. Competitive proposals reveal the cost of a domestic product is significantly higher than a non-domestic product.

58. All products that are normally purchased by Distributor as non-domestic and proposed as part of this solicitation must be identified with the country of origin. Distributor shall outline their procedures to notify School when products are purchased as non-domestic.

59. Any substitution of a non-domestic product for a domestic product (which was originally part of a solicitation), must be approved, in writing, by the Food Service Director, prior to the delivery of the product to the School. Any non-domestic product delivered to the School, without the prior, written approval of the Food Service Director, will be rejected.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 10

60. Distributor must affirm their willingness to assert their best and reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with this federal rule.

Purchases using federal funds

61. Equal Employment Opportunity. Except as otherwise provided under 41 CFR Part 60, all contracts that meet the definition of “federally assisted construction contract” in 41 CFR Part 60-1.3 must include the equal opportunity clause provided under 41 CFR 60-1.4(b), in accordance with Executive Order 11246, “Equal Employment Opportunity” (30 FR 12319, 12935, 3 CFR Part, 1964-1965 Comp., p. 339), as amended by Executive Order 11375, “Amending Executive Order 11246 Relating to Equal Employment Opportunity,” and implementing regulations at 41 CFR part 60, “Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor.”

62. Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C.

3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”).

63. Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-3708). Where applicable, all contracts awarded by FCPS in excess of $100,000 that involve the employment of mechanics or laborers must include a provision for compliance with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5).

64. Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33

U.S.C. 1251-1387), as amended—Contracts and subgrants of amounts in excess of $150,000 must contain a provision that requires the non-Federal award to agree to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C.

1251-1387). Violations must be reported to the Federal awarding agency and the Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

65. Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)—A contract award (see 2

CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the governmentwide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549.

66. Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352)—Contractors that apply or bid for an award exceeding $100,000 must file the required certification. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/part-60 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/section-60-1.3 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/section-60-1.3 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/section-60-1.4#p-60-1.4(b) https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/11246 https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/30-FR-12319 https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/30-FR-12935 https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/30-FR-12935 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-3/part-1964 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/11375 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/11246 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/part-60 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3141 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3141 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3141 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3146 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/part-5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/part-5 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3701 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3702 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3704 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/40/3704 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/part-5 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/7401 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/33/1251 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/33/1251 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/7401 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/7401 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/33/1251 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/33/1251 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-180.220 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-180.220 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-180 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12549 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12549 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/1352

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 11 agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to the non-Federal award.

Special Conditions

1. All questions must be submitted in writing through the Bidnet no later than 2:00 PM, July 1, 2025.

2. Proposals submission instructions:

Hard Copy Submission

Proposal must be delivered to:

FCPS Purchasing Department 1126 Russell Cave Road Lexington, KY 40505

Proposals may be returned by the United States Postal Service, hand delivered or by any commercial carrier. Please note the Purchasing office is in a separate building from the district mail room and there could be a delay in getting responses sent by mail. It is not recommended to overnight responses as they may not arrive by the deadline. It is the company’s responsibility to ensure the proposal arrives at the specified location by the date and time of the bid opening. Proposals should not be addressed to a specific person. The FCPS Purchasing Office is closed and does not accept mail, commercial carriers or hand delivered bids on weekends and Holidays. Regular hours are 7:00AM to 3:30PM Eastern Time.

Hard copy should include a USB flash drive with a digital copy included on the drive.

Online Submission

Proposals may also be submitted online at Bidnet. It is recommended if submitting proposals through the Bidnet that time is allowed for the upload of the document. Electronic submissions that are late due to poor internet connection or technical difficulties related to the Bidnet portal shall not be considered. It is recommended that digital responses be submitted early enough to avoid these types of issues. It is the company’s responsibility to ensure the proposal has been received by the date and time of the closing of proposals.

3. Late proposals

Any proposals received after the due date and time listed on the cover page shall be https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/1352

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 12 considered a late proposal. A late proposal shall not be considered for award except under the following conditions only:

3.1. The proposal was sent by mail and it is determined by the Purchasing Department that the late receipt was due solely to the mishandling by FCPS after receipt at the address specified in the solicitation.

3.2. If an emergency or unanticipated event or closing interrupts or suspends normal FCPS business operations so that proposals cannot be received at the FCPS Purchasing Office by the due date stated on the cover page, the due date/time specified will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal FCPS business operations resume.

3.3. The official time used for receipt of proposals is the satellite clock located in the conference room 131 where bid openings are regularly held. This clock is connected by satellite to be the official time of the United States as determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and U. S. Naval Observatory (USNO).

4. There will not be a public bid opening. Results of the RFP will be sent out upon award.

5. Contract is effective for 1 year beginning July, 2026 or date of Board approval

(whichever is later) through June 30, 2027 with an optional annual renewal for up to a total of 5 years.

6. Inasmuch as the contract here will extend for more than one fiscal year, though the contract will be paid at least annually, attention of each bidder is called to the fact that the Kentucky Constitution and Kentucky Statute preclude the Board of Education from obligating the expenditure of school funds in excess of its revenue from the current fiscal year; thus, the Board of Education specifically reserves the right to terminate the contract issued hereunder during any subsequent fiscal year of the Board, but with full right for the Board of Education to budget sufficient sums in subsequent fiscal years during the term of the contract to keep the same in effect for its full term.

7. Fuel Surcharges and other similar charges are not permitted

8. The RFP shall be awarded to the responsible and responsive offeror(s) as defined in KRS

45A.345, providing the best value. RFP may be awarded to multiple offerors if in the best interest of the district. In determining the best value the following criteria shall be considered:

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 13

Criterion 1 - E-Rate Eligible Goods and Services This criterion considers the Offeror’s pricing for completing the services requested by this RFP.

Criterion 2 – Qualifications of the Offeror This criterion considers the Offeror’s qualifications, experience, resumes and references of the overall Offeror and staff assigned relative to the services solicited by this RFP.

Criterion 3 –Past Offeror Performance Offerors with a record of poor performance with the school district in the last 24 months may be found non-responsible and ineligible for award.

Criterion 4 – Technical Approach to Services This criterion considers the Offeror’s understanding of the Scope of Services to include. Safety, Service, Consulting Approach/Implementation of Services, Equipment, Materials, Components, and Warranty requested by this RFP.

Criterion 5 –Continuity of Service This criterion considers the proposal's plan for a smooth handover from current operations to new services.

Criterion 6- E-Rate Ineligible Goods and Services This criterion considers the Offeror’s ineligible pricing for completing the services requested by this RFP.

9. Prices quoted must have a decimal point located in the correct position to separate dollars from cents. Bid prices where the decimal point is omitted shall be calculated as dollar amounts.

10. RFP may be awarded based on initial offers/proposals and competitive negotiation may not be used.

11. Erasures or the use of typewriter correction fluid on proposal forms are unacceptable and may result in rejection of the proposal. Prior to submission or openings, errors may be crossed out, corrections entered and initialed by the person signing the proposal.

12. Modifications, additions or changes to the terms and conditions of this solicitation may be cause for rejection of the proposal. Offerors are requested to submit proposals on FCPS official forms. Proposals submitted on company forms may be rejected.

13. Successful offeror shall make provision for supplying PO numbers as part of any invoice issued to FCPS as a result of RFP award.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 14

14. Payments for bid items are normally approved at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board on the fourth Monday of most months provided bid items and invoices are properly received by the first Monday of the month. However, payments may be made early to take advantage of cash discounts offered provided the taking of such discounts is advantageous to

FCPS.

15. Sole proprietors or partnerships must supply Taxpayer Identification Numbers with proposal.

Corporations are excluded from this requirement.

16. Successful offerors shall provide two (2) copies for Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on material covered by OSHA Standard 1910.1200 upon request as a condition of purchase.

17. It is the policy of the Board that no asbestos-containing materials are to be purchased by the school system, supplied by any person supplying to the school system, or installed in or on school property by any person performing work for the school system. Furthermore, all products marked “May Contain Mineral Fibers” will be presumed to contain asbestos unless the manufacturer provides written certification or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that no asbestos fibers are present in the product and identifies the fibers for which the product is marked or the supplier presents valid analysis data from an NVLAP-or AIHA-certified laboratory that the material does not contain asbestos.

18. If there is a conflict between the terms of this document and any document submitted by the offeror the RFP document takes precedence.

19. Offeror agrees to abide by any reasonable request made by FCPS Administration regarding implementation of this contract.

20. FCPS reserves the right to cancel a contract if in the staff’s opinion the offeror’s work is unsatisfactory, their ability to meet completion schedules is unsatisfactory or billing is found to be excessive for work performed. Offeror may terminate the contract if FCPS fails to meet the specified payment terms.

21. Termination for Default

Either the Purchasing Agent or the Superintendent, as the case may require, may make a written determination that a contractor is in breach of any of the terms and conditions of an existing contract. Said determination shall state that the contractor shall have a period of five

(5) working days within which to cure the breach. A copy of said determination shall be filed in the contract file and another copy of said determination shall be forwarded to the contractor in breach of the contract.

Upon receipt of said determination the contractor shall make all good faith efforts to comply with all terms and conditions of the contract and to cure the breach. Alternatively, the contractor may submit a written statement admitting default in breach of the contract. At such time the contract shall be deemed immediately terminated and all rights and obligations thereunder shall be terminated.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 15

Upon receipt of the contractor’s admission of default and breach or upon the contractor’s failure to cure said breach within five (5) working days of the issuance of the written determination, FCPS shall procure a substitute contractor which shall operate under the remainder of the existing contract breached by the contractor. The original contractor shall be liable for any and all excess costs incurred in the procurement of the substitute contractor.

22. Bidding company must provide proof of insurance in the minimum amount of $2,000,000.

Insurance should be “Occurrence based”. “Claims based” will not be accepted. Insurance coverage must be an occurrence based with “Umbrella” coverage for the excess amount to a minimum total of $2,000,000. Failure to provide this formal insurance statement or meet the $2,000,000 minimum requirement will result in bid disqualification.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 16

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO INCLUDE WITH PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

_______ Cover page completed _______ Name and signature on Page 2 _______ Vendor Information Sheet (Page 17) _______ Taxpayer Identification Number (if not a Corporation) _______ All items listed in Scope of Work 19.3 _______ Network Services Response form and all required items _______ E Rate Pricing Attachment _______ Resident Bidder Affidavit if declaring Resident Bidder Status _______ Completed W9 form _______ Proof of Insurance

Does your company allow EFT? Yes ____ No ____ If yes please send a completed EFT Authorization Form to our Accounts Payable Department upon award of bid.

Thank you for providing this information:

1. [ ] Yes I am a minority owned business. Certified [ ] Not Certified [ ] [ ] No If “yes” please identify type:

African American [ ] Hispanic American [ ] Asian Pacific Islander [ ] Native American [ ]

2. [ ] Yes I am a woman owned business. Certified [ ] Not Certified [ ] [ ] No

If “yes” and certified please include a copy of certification.

3. [ ] Yes I am a veteran owned business. Certified [ ] Not Certified [ ] [ ] No

If “yes” and certified please include a copy of certification.

4. [ ] Yes I am current employee of the Fayette County Public Schools or a retiree of any [ ] No KY School District?

5. Name of state where your home office/headquarters is located: _____________________ [ ] Yes If not Kentucky, does the state have preferential treatment on bids and RFPs [ ] No If Yes, What percentage: ____________%

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 17

Fayette County Public Schools WAN Infrastructure Upgrade

Vendor Information Sheet

This form shall be completed and returned with the response form.

Submitted by:

Name of Company ______________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature/Title ________________________________________________________

Contact Person (if different than above) ______________________________________________

Telephone Number ______________________________________________________________

Email Address __________________________________________________________________

Date __________________

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 18

Scope of Work

FOR: Fayette County Public Schools

Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) is taking Requests for Proposal from qualified vendors to provide a solution for upgrading our district-wide WAN infrastructure.

Fayette County Public Schools has developed a plan to accomplish the goals of improving the current district-wide network. The plan includes requesting connectivity to each of the district facilities listed in Exhibits A and B provided as a paid monthly/quarterly service by qualified vendors. The network shall be designed so that the collective number of sites listed in Exhibit A shall be delivered to the District Data Center (Building 1126) on a 10 GB connection with the option of incremental bandwidth upgrades to 40 GB. Additionally, the locations listed in Exhibit B shall be individually delivered to the District Data Center (Building 1126) on a 10 GB connection with the option of incremental bandwidth upgrades to 100 GB per connection as needed for traffic growth. The bid outlines the district plan and provides guidelines for potential Vendors by which to provide their solution and cost schedule.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Objective

Fayette County Public Schools (hereinafter referred to as “The Customer” or “District”) intends to enter into a network services agreement for a multi-gigabit network consisting of a robust and resilient backbone throughout the District. The Customer requests proposals for the installation and operation of a dedicated managed multi-gigabit network as described in the attached specifications for interested persons (hereinafter known as “The Vendor”). Prices quoted shall be all-inclusive and represent complete installation, operation, and maintenance at the sites listed in the attached specifications. The Vendors shall be responsible for all equipment, software, parts, labor, and all other associated apparatus necessary to completely install, test, and turnover for acceptance of the network detailed herein.

1.2 Current Network Design

The District currently operates on a leased-lit fiber spoke and hub design connecting via a 10 Gbps collective to 63 elementary, middle school, special program and admin locations (with no more than 1 Gbps to each location) spread across 48 circuits. We also have a dedicated 10 Gbps to each of seven high school/vocational school campuses which include an additional five elementary and middle school sites.

A current network diagram has been provided for reference only. The Vendor needs to supply an ISP managed modem and uninterruptible power supply with each install.

1.3 Network Design

This RFP describes the Customer’s needs and requirements that it expects the Service Provider to address. This RFP does not dictate a specific technology for the service provider. As a result, RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 19

Offerors have great latitude in their technical approach for meeting the Customer’s requirements and service levels. The District will consider any technology or topology, as well as combinations of those technologies that can meet the bandwidth and service level requirements in this RFP.

The Offer must demonstrate to the District that its approach will meet the District’s requirements.

The solution should be robust, resilient, scalable, and to the extent financially feasible avoid a single point of failure.

1.4 Resilient network design

Prospective vendors should clearly explain the path diversity being offered and how service outages will be addressed whether it is a cut line coming from the main data center as well as a remote site. Please explain how your network resiliency ensures no single point of failure will affect FCPS. If a single point failures exist, explain how a failure would be mitigated.

2. Specific Statement of Need

All proposed fiber solutions must meet the following requirements:

The Vendor shall provide, install and configure a fiber optic cabling to connect all Customer facilities as shown in Exhibits A and B. The Vendor shall provide for all phases of the connectivity process to include cabling and cutover assistance if required.

2.1 General Specifications

2.1.1 Management Racks/Patch Panels

● The Vendor shall provide one rack mounted fiber distribution panel (FDP) per fiber sheath at each facility capable of terminating a minimum of 6 individual fibers. The Customer shall specifically designate the location in the closet where the FDP shall be mounted.

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2.1.2 Fiber Optic Cabling

● The Vendor shall install and manage a Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable backbone between each district facility.

● The Vendor shall ensure all cables meet generally accepted industry standards and specifications.

● The Vendor shall install necessary rack mounted fiber transceivers and/or layer 2 switches that shall convert Vendor’s single mode fiber backbone connection to duplex multi-mode fiber handoff. The Customer shall specifically designate the location in the closet where the transceiver/switch shall be mounted.

● The Vendor shall provide 50-micron OM3 multi-mode fiber patch cable to connect Vendor equipment to Customer layer 3 routing switch.

● The Vendor shall install, maintain and own all active and passive network components from and inclusive of the fiber transceiver or layer 2 switch outward.

● The Vendor shall supply and install and maintain a rack-mounted uninterruptible power supply device to temporarily power for a period of at least 30 minutes and capable of reporting issues with batteries, the Vendor’s equipment in the event of a power outage.

● Any fiber-optic cabling installed within any Customer facility shall be installed within orange innerduct or use orange armored fiber optic cabling and adequately supported to the building structure.

● If it is necessary to breach any firewall the innerduct or cabling shall pass through the breach within metal conduit and necessary fire-stop shall be applied to maintain the integrity of the firewall.

● All fiber-optic cabling or innerduct installed within any Customer Facility shall be plenum rated.

2.1.3 Terms and Conditions for Maintenance/Repair

● The Vendor is responsible for all fiber cable maintenance.

2.1.4 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT (SLA)

1. Proposed services must meet the following specifications:

1. The awarded Respondent will make all reasonable efforts to ensure 99.99% network availability of each circuit.

2. 25% frame/packet loss commitment

3. 25ms round trip network latency commitment

4. 10ms network jitter commitment

5. There is no right of provider to limit or throttle the capacity of the circuit at any time for any reason.

6. The awarded Respondents stated commitment is to respond to any outage within two (2) hours and a four (4) hour restoration of service.

RFP 40-25 Wide Area Network Services, Page 21

2. Network operations center: Solution will provide FCPS customer support functions including problem tracking, resolution, and escalation support management on a 24x7x365 basis. FCPS has the right and is encouraged to call concerning any problems that may arise relative to its connection with Successful Respondent provided services.

3. Trouble reporting and response: Upon interruption, degradation or loss of service, FCPS may contact awarded Respondent by defined method with a response based on trouble level. Upon contact from FCPS, the awarded Respondent’s support team will initiate an immediate response to resolve any FCPS issue. FCPS will receive rapid feedback on trouble resolution, including potential resolution time.

4. Escalation: In the event that service has not been restored in a timely manner, or the FCPS does not feel that adequate attention has been allocated, the FCPS can escalate the trouble resolution by request. A list of escalation contacts will be provided when the implementation schedule is completed.

5. Resolution: FCPS will be notified immediately once the problem is resolved and will be asked for verbal closure of the incident.

6. Trouble reporting, escalation and resolution: A detailed trouble reporting, escalation and resolution plan will be provided to FCPS.

7. Measurement: Time starts from the time the FCPS contacts awarded Respondent and identifies the problem. Credits for outages should be the following:

Length of Service Outage Credit is the following percentage of monthly recurring cost:

● Less than 2 hours - No Credit

● Greater than two (2) hours and less than four (4) hours - 5%

● Greater than four (4) hours and less than eight (8) hours - 10%

● Greater than eight (8) hours and less than twelve (12) hours - 15%

● Greater than twelve (12) hours and less than sixteen (16) hours - 20%

● Greater than sixteen (16) hours and less than twenty-four (24) hours - 35%

● Greater than twenty-four (24) hours - 50%

8. Reports: Upon request, an incident report will be made available to the…