Commercial Circuit Network Connections (UW-MAD) [20-5535]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, on behalf of the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), is soliciting competitive bids for commercial circuit network connections to serve the University of Wisconsin System and affiliated entities across Wisconsin. The procurement seeks Layer 2 Ethernet LAN services with physically diverse fiber routes, targeting 19 endpoint locations across Wisconsin and Iowa, including multiple UW System campuses and associated municipal facilities. Bidders must provide network circuit connections with specific technical requirements, including IEEE 802.3 Ethernet interfaces, fiber-optic delivery, dedicated unsubscribed bandwidth, VLAN tagging support, and 1548-byte MTU size. The initial contract term runs from September 15, 2019, through September 14, 2022, with options for three additional one-year renewals. Key submission dates include a bid due date of July 19, 2019, at 2:00 PM CDT, with written questions originally due by June 28, 2019. Bids will be evaluated based on the lowest qualified bidder's total five-year term cost for each circuit endpoint combination, with pricing required for one-, three-, and five-year lease terms.

The contract includes set-asides for Minority Business Enterprises, Woman-Owned Businesses, and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses under Wisconsin statutes, with preference awards available to certified firms within 5 percent of the apparent low bid. The procurement is available to all UW System campuses, State of Wisconsin agencies, and Wisconsin municipalities. Bidders must certify they are not using Huawei equipment and are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible for federal participation. The contract allows for flexible term structures with pricing options for different contract lengths, and individual circuit orders may be specified for one-, three-, or five-year terms based on UW's business needs. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the cost sheet indicates pricing for circuits with bandwidth requirements ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbit/sec across multiple locations. The University reserves the right to conduct oral presentations, product demonstrations, and site visits at its sole discretion prior to award, with all bid prices to remain firm for sixty days from the bid opening date.