2019 - 2024 mcsd e-rate internet service and WAN service

The Marion County School District in Mississippi is seeking proposals for a comprehensive internet and Wide Area Network (WAN) service contract through an E-Rate funded Request for Proposal (RFP). The procurement covers a 3-year contract period from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024, with potential for two additional 1-year extensions, targeting high-speed broadband services to connect district schools internally and to the internet. Potential service providers can bid on three service options: standalone internet service, standalone WAN service, or a bundled internet and WAN service. Technical requirements include dedicated fiber optic connections, bandwidth options ranging from 100 Mbps to 3 Gbps, and daily circuit utilization reporting. Proposals were due by February 7, 2019, with sealed bids to be opened at 10:31 AM on the same date. The district will evaluate proposals based on best value and reserves the right to reject any or all submissions.

Service providers must be approved USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) providers with current SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) and SPAC (Service Provider Annual Certification) credentials. Bidders are required to submit comprehensive documentation including a Mississippi Contractors License, help desk procedures, service response procedures, disaster recovery plan, references, and a detailed description of network services. Site visits were mandatory for most providers, with exceptions made for C-Spire Fiber and Uniti Fiber. While specific budget ranges were not explicitly stated, the E-Rate program subsidy suggests potential cost mitigation for the selected service provider. The procurement does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and no information was provided about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure that might require integration. The contract's focus is on securing reliable, high-speed internet and network connectivity for the Marion County School District's educational infrastructure.