25-040 (BS) Cisco Network Switch Equipment and Installation for Construction Schools (E-Rate)

The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is seeking proposals for Cisco Network Switch Equipment and Installation for Construction Schools through an E-Rate funded procurement (RFP 25-040). The project encompasses the acquisition and installation of network switching equipment for seven construction projects across multiple SAISD campuses, including Graebner Elementary, Schenck Elementary, Sam Houston High School, and others. Specifically, the procurement requires vendors to provide and install three categories of Cisco C9350 network switches: 24-port standard switches (33 units), 48-port standard switches (62 units), and 48-port multigigabit switches (14 units), along with associated components like power supplies, network modules, stacking cables, software licenses, and fan modules. Vendors must complete comprehensive installation services at 109 switch locations, including off-site storage, equipment staging, removal of existing switches, new equipment installation with proper labeling, and detailed closeout documentation. The proposal is due on February 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST, with vendor questions to be submitted through the Bonfire Portal by January 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The evaluation will consider purchase price (35 points), vendor reputation (10 points), goods quality and district needs alignment (30 points), total long-term cost (6 points), and other factors such as past performance and HUB compliance.

The procurement has several specific vendor requirements and restrictions, including a preference for Cisco Channel Partners and the ability to integrate with Cisco Catalyst or Aruba Command systems. Vendors must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance of $500,000 and worker's compensation insurance, with performance and payment bonds required for contracts exceeding $25,000. The district emphasizes Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) compliance as part of the evaluation criteria, suggesting potential set-aside or preference considerations for qualified disadvantaged enterprises. The contract term is one year from Board of Trustees approval, with options to renew for two additional one-year periods, though no minimum purchase amount is guaranteed. Funding is contingent on both District and E-Rate funding availability, specifically targeting Funding Year 2026 (July 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027). While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves comprehensive network infrastructure upgrades across multiple school sites, indicating a significant potential contract value. The district remains flexible, allowing vendors to propose additional equipment or services deemed necessary for optimal system operation.