2603 Wireless Access Points and Ethernet

Gwinnett County Public Library is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP 2603) for the procurement of wireless access points and ethernet infrastructure to replace and upgrade wireless systems at one primary location (Snellville branch) with ancillary work at multiple facilities. The scope of work includes replacement of nine internal and one external wireless access point at Snellville, installation of one library-owned external access point at Lawrenceville with associated cabling, repair of existing ethernet drops at four locations (DUL, MPK, DAC, and CEN), and installation of nine new Cat6A ethernet drops at Headquarters. Vendors are encouraged to propose Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E technology with options for either equipment leasing or ownership, and may optionally include managed internal broadband services (MIBS) and basic maintenance of internal connections as distinct, separately-priced line items clearly designated as E-rate eligible or ineligible. All proposals must itemize costs by location and work type, separating E-rate Category 2 eligible items from ineligible items, and must include five-year licenses and warranties with all labor, materials, equipment, and accessories for a complete solution. The RFP timeline includes written questions due January 9, 2026, library responses published January 16, 2026, and proposals due by 3:00 p.m. ET on January 30, 2026, with evaluation occurring February 2-6, finalist interviews February 9-13, notice of intent to award February 13, contract negotiations February 16-20, and Board of Trustees approval targeted for March 16, 2026. Qualifying vendors must hold a valid SPIN number, confirm E-Verify participation, maintain workers' compensation insurance in statutory amounts, and carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in aggregate, as well as professional liability or commercial general liability coverage naming the library as an additional insured.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting respondent eligibility based on disadvantaged enterprise status, though all vendors must meet standard insurance and compliance requirements. The library's existing infrastructure includes a 16-facility system totaling 262,000 square feet currently operating a combination of Meraki and Fortinet access points, with the Snellville location specifically using Fortinet 231 and 431/432 models scheduled for replacement. All proposed access points must be compatible with existing PoE switching infrastructure consisting of Fortinet FortiSwitch 448E-POE units supporting IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards, requiring vendors to ensure seamless integration with current systems. No incumbent vendors or current contract amounts are identified in the RFP documentation, and no specific budget range or award value is provided, though the scope suggests a moderate-scale infrastructure project typical of library technology upgrades across a multi-facility county system. All proposals must remain valid for 120 days following the submission deadline, and the selected contractor must execute a contract within 15 days of receiving the notice of intent to award.