24-RQ220144-NM e-rate category two RFP lite project

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is requesting proposals under RFP Lite 24-RQ220144-NM to establish statewide convenience contracts for E-Rate Category Two eligible internal broadband connections equipment, installation, maintenance, and managed services for North Carolina Public School Units and eligible libraries, with proposals due November 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Written vendor questions are due October 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

The solicitation is organized into four segments: Segment A covers broadband internal connections equipment including wireless access points, antennas, cabling, caching, firewalls, switches, uninterruptible power supply systems, wireless controllers, and supporting software; Segment B addresses managed internal broadband services with vendor or PSU/library equipment ownership options; Segment C covers basic maintenance including repair, technical support, and software upgrades; and Segment D covers structured cabling with installation labor. Vendors must bid on at least one product or service across the four segments. For Segment A, vendors must respond with a minimum of one and up to five OEM/brands. All hardware must be new, commercially available, and manufacturer-supported for a minimum of five years from purchase date. Vendors must provide minimum percentage discounts off manufacturer's suggested retail price and detailed service level agreements.

The contract is funded through receipts as a convenience vehicle to support PSU- and library-led mini-bid procurements under FCC E-Rate program rules. No specific quantities are guaranteed; participating PSUs and libraries will define site-specific needs through subsequent mini-bids. Contract term runs from April 1, 2027 through September 30, 2031, with the E-Rate Funding Year beginning July 1, 2027.

Award will be based on total cost of ownership including average discount from list price, vendor conformance, comparison among offers, vendor physical location with preference given to North Carolina-based businesses, and strength of references and past performance. The State reserves the right to make partial, progressive, or multiple awards to one or more vendors. Vendors must provide at least a 12-month warranty covering defective parts replacement, labor, freight, and technician travel at no cost. Compliance with E-Verify, worker location disclosure, GovRAMP authorization for cloud-based solutions, and North Carolina statewide security standards is required.