RFP_32701-04678_AMD_7.pdf

This is Amendment #7 to a Request for Proposals issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a Wireless-as-a-Service provider to implement comprehensive wireless connectivity across eleven state parks. The RFP originally issued on October 20, 2025, seeks a vendor to deliver end-to-end network services including site surveys, network design, equipment installation, network management dashboards, 24/7 technical support, and guest internet access. The amendment updates the RFP schedule with revised critical dates: the technical response deadline is March 20, 2026; qualified respondents will be scheduled for state visits on April 15, 2026, with site visits occurring on April 22, 2026; the cost proposal submission deadline is May 4, 2026, with opening and scoring on May 5, 2026; and optional negotiations are scheduled for May 7-8, 2026. The state will release notice of intent to award on May 11, 2026, with the protest period ending May 18, 2026. The contractor must sign the contract by May 21, 2026, and provide a performance bond by May 25, 2026. The contract includes an initial 60-month term with two optional 30-month renewal periods, not exceeding 120 months total.

The RFP evaluation will be based on general qualifications (10 points), technical qualifications and approach (60 points), and cost proposal (30 points), with only the top three technically-scored respondents invited to submit cost proposals. The procurement explicitly welcomes responses from minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and small business enterprises. Respondents must hold valid Tennessee Electrician and Contractor licenses and maintain specified insurance coverage. The contract includes a maximum liability cap of $10 million with a required performance bond of $5 million. Vendors must demonstrate robust business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities including 120-hour Recovery Point Objectives and 48-hour Recovery Time Objectives, along with comprehensive IT security standards such as SOC 2 Type 2 annual compliance audits, annual penetration testing, and $10 million in cyber liability insurance. Pricing must accommodate seasonal rate adjustments and allow for per-site or per-facility expansion, with all costs submitted as a complete, all-inclusive proposal covering equipment installation, maintenance, network upgrades, user support, and management services.