RFP GCPL 2402 Next Generation Firewall 013125.pdf

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP #GCPL-2402) issued by the Gwinnett County Public Library for the purchase and deployment of a next-generation FortiGate firewall or equivalent solution. The library seeks qualified vendors who are Fortinet Platinum Partners or hold equivalent qualifications to provide firewall solutions, with proposals potentially including managed internal broadband services (MIBS) and basic maintenance. The RFP was issued on January 31, 2025, with written questions due by February 14, 2025, responses published by February 21, proposals due by February 28, 2025, evaluations conducted March 3-5, interviews March 6-7, and contract award expected by March 2025. Installation must be completed within 2-3 weeks of award.

The project encompasses deploying firewalls across 16 facilities totaling 262,000 square feet, with requirements including support for 15,000 concurrent sessions, 500 Mbps circuit speeds with IPS/IDS capabilities, and PCI compliance zones. The current environment uses FortiGate 100-series firewalls connected to FortiSwitch 448E-POE switches. The library operates on an MPLS network with 500 Mbps Layer 2 VLAN-based WAN connections at each location. Proposals must include detailed cost breakdowns for hourly rates, materials, additional services, and estimated costs per project phase. The RFP emphasizes that the lowest cost is not the sole criterion for award, and proposals will be evaluated based on technical capabilities, experience, and overall value.