25-043 (BS) Cisco Network Switch Equipment and Installation for Cohort Schools (E-Rate)

The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is seeking proposals for Cisco Network Switch Equipment and Installation for Cohort Schools, with a specific focus on network infrastructure upgrades across 15 schools. The procurement involves acquiring and installing 159 network switches, including 20 24-port standard switches, 74 48-port standard switches, and 65 48-port multigigabit switches with 90W UPOE. Deliverables include comprehensive installation services encompassing off-site storage, configuration, existing switch removal, labeling, stacking, and detailed documentation with photographs and inventory sheets. The proposal submission deadline is February 10, 2026, at 2:30 PM CST, with vendor questions due by January 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST. Evaluation criteria are multi-faceted, with 35 points allocated to purchase price, 30 points for service quality, 6 points for long-term cost, 10 points for reputation, 5 points for past district relationship, 5 points for references, 5 points for HUB compliance, and 4 points for value-added incentives.

The procurement has several key restrictions and qualifications for potential vendors, including a strong preference for Cisco Channel Partners and compliance with multiple state and federal requirements. Vendors must meet EDGAR compliance, Texas House Bill 89 (Israel Boycott Prohibition), House Bill 1295 (Interested Parties Disclosure), and Senate Bill 252 (Foreign Terrorist Organization verification). The contract requires specific insurance provisions, with bid bonds required for proposals over $10,000 and performance/payment bonds for contracts exceeding $25,000. The district has established a Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business Enterprise (SWMBE) participation goal of 20 percent of the total contract value. The contract term is one year from Board of Trustees approval, with options for two additional one-year renewals. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement is contingent upon district funding and E-Rate funding availability, with implementation planned for the E-Rate Funding Year 2026 (July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027).