E-Rate Category 1 Broadband (FY26-FY31) - UPDATED

The State of Tennessee Department of Education has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #33101-26005FAS5) for E-Rate Category 1 Broadband services covering fiscal years 2026-2031. The procurement seeks to establish multiple contracts for broadband services that will support Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Public Charter Schools, and State Special Schools across Tennessee. Contractors must provide Category 1 services focused on broadband connectivity, including internet access, transport services, and related network configurations that align with the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism (E-Rate program). The RFQ is structured as a multiple-award schedule, allowing various service providers to compete for individual project opportunities. Key procurement dates include a Pre-Response Conference on October 20, 2025, with a Response Deadline of December 8, 2025, and an anticipated contract award in January 2026. Although cost will not be directly evaluated during the initial qualification phase, respondents must submit catalog pricing to participate in subsequent USAC mini-bid processes. Evaluation will focus on providers' ability to deliver reliable, high-speed internet connectivity that meets federal E-Rate program requirements.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Local Education Agencies will conduct mini-bid events among the awarded contractors, with price being the most heavily weighted factor in subsequent selection processes. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the procurement is designed to support comprehensive broadband connectivity across Tennessee's educational institutions. Interested service providers can obtain complete solicitation details from the state's procurement website or by contacting Genell Jordan, the Sourcing Account Specialist at the Central Procurement Office, located in the Tennessee Tower. The contract's multiple-award approach suggests the state aims to create a competitive environment that ensures schools have access to diverse, high-quality broadband service options. The initial contract term will span fiscal years 2026-2031, providing long-term connectivity solutions for educational institutions across the state.