Cisco Catalyst Network Equipment

Pinellas County Schools is seeking to procure Cisco Catalyst Network Equipment through Invitation to Bid (ITB) #25-BM-064, with the primary objective of selecting suppliers to provide and deliver network equipment to the district's Telecommunications department. The procurement specifically requires Cisco-branded equipment, with no substitutions or alternative manufacturers permitted. Bidders must be authorized Cisco resellers and provide new equipment, with potential for Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment in future considerations. The bid includes multiple line items for Cisco Catalyst switches (9200L and 9500 models), associated licenses, stack modules, power cables, and accessories, with precise quantities specified for each item. Key requirements include compatibility with the district's existing network infrastructure and Cisco Catalyst Center platform, with some items requiring a Smart Account and 3-year term licenses. The bid is scheduled to be due by 4:00 pm on September 3, 2025, with a contract period running from October 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, and an option for a one-year renewal. Evaluation criteria will focus on total cost, compliance with technical specifications, and Cisco partnership status, with the intent to award on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The estimated contract value is approximately $1,000,000, though actual purchases may vary depending on district needs. Pricing must conform to the Cisco Global Price List, and all licensing must be valid for the specified term and compatible with associated hardware. Bidders should be aware of the formal bid protest procedure, which requires a protest bond equal to 1% of the total estimated contract value (between $500 and $5,000) if filing a formal protest. The district has established a detailed protest resolution process that includes attempts to resolve disputes through mutual agreement, potential informal proceedings, and potential referral to the Division of Administrative Hearings if material facts are contested. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the procurement appears designed to maintain and potentially expand the district's existing Cisco network infrastructure. The bid allows for potential future procurement of Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment, providing some flexibility in meeting the district's technological needs.