2025 E-Rate Network Cabling Additions

Swartz Creek Community Schools in Genesee County, Michigan, is seeking bids for a comprehensive network cabling infrastructure upgrade across seven school locations, including the high school, middle school, and five elementary schools (Dieck, Elms Road, Gaines, Morrish, and Syring). The project involves installing Category 6A UTP cabling infrastructure, with specific requirements including two cables per classroom (one terminated at the front with a keystone jack and faceplate, one coiled in ceiling), replacing network cabinets with insufficient expansion room, and implementing proper bonding and grounding in intermediate and main distribution frames (IDFs/MDFs). Key project dates include a mandatory bidders' conference on February 6, 2025, final questions due by February 13, 2025, and bid opening on February 27, 2025, with contract award anticipated by March 7, 2025, and project completion required by August 13, 2025. Bidders must submit a base bid with detailed pricing broken down by school building and component, including separate materials and labor pricing, along with unit pricing for potential additions or deletions. Additional requirements include a 5% bid security, 100% performance and payment bonds, and proof of $1-2 million in liability insurance coverage depending on project value. The project is structured to qualify for E-Rate funding under FY2025 universal service support mechanisms.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors will be required to submit sworn and notarized disclosure statements regarding familial relationships with school board members or superintendent, as well as an Iran Economic Sanctions Affidavit. The project will be managed by Convergent Technology Partners as the Technology Design Consultant, with work permitted during school hours in unoccupied areas and after hours, considering the school year ends June 12, 2025. Contractors will be provided badge access and a lift for use during the project. While no specific total budget is disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the project spans multiple school buildings and involves extensive cabling infrastructure replacement and enhancement. The project includes optional alternates such as replacing multi-mode fiber with single-mode fiber and removing old computer lab cabling. Bidders must obtain documents from either the State of Michigan's website (www.Michigan.gov/VSSlogin) or the district's website (https://www.swartzcreek.org/page/eraterfp), with all bids to be submitted to Travis Smith, Executive Director of Technology at the Swartz Creek Community Schools Administrative Office.