RFP_32701-04678_AMD_11.pdf

This is Amendment #11 to Request for Proposals #32701-04678 issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a Wireless-as-a-Service provider to deliver comprehensive wireless connectivity across eleven state parks. The RFP seeks end-to-end network services including site surveys, network design, equipment installation, network management dashboards, 24/7 technical support, and guest internet access. Key procedural dates have been revised through this amendment, including a pre-response conference on October 28, 2025, a technical response deadline of March 20, 2026, state completion of technical evaluations by April 10, 2026, mandatory site visits on May 8, 2026, and a cost proposal submission deadline of May 21, 2026. The state will open and score cost proposals on May 22, 2026, with optional negotiations scheduled for May 26-28, 2026. The Notice of Intent to Award will be released on May 29, 2026, followed by a protest period ending June 5, 2026. The contractor signature deadline is June 12, 2026, with a performance bond due by June 17, 2026. The contract will have an initial 60-month term beginning April 24, 2026, with two optional 30-month renewal periods, not exceeding 120 months total.

The RFP requires respondents to demonstrate general qualifications, technical qualifications and approach, and cost competitiveness, with only the top three technically-scored proposals advancing to cost evaluation. Respondents must hold valid Tennessee Electrician and Contractor licenses and maintain specified insurance coverage, including a $10 million cyber liability insurance requirement and a $5 million performance bond. The RFP welcomes responses from minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and small business enterprises. The network infrastructure must include Wi-Fi 7 technology with downward compatibility and support robust business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities with 120-hour Recovery Point Objectives and 48-hour Recovery Time Objectives. Vendors must comply with comprehensive IT security standards, including SOC 2 Type 2 annual compliance audits and annual penetration testing. Pricing must be submitted as a complete, all-inclusive proposal covering equipment installation, maintenance, network upgrades, user support, management services, and all fiber and power installation, trenching, pole placement, permitting, and utility coordination, with provisions for seasonal rate adjustments and per-site or per-facility expansion.