E-rate fiber services - L55, L1, oburg

The South Carolina Department of Administration's Office of Technology and Information Services (OTIS) is soliciting proposals for E-Rate Fiber Services across three school districts: Laurens 55, Lexington 1, and Orangeburg. The solicitation covers three distinct service lots: Lot 1 (Leased Lit Fiber Services), Lot 2 (Dark Fiber Leasing), and Lot 3 (Dark Fiber Services with Maintenance and Operations), targeting approximately 90 school facilities requiring connectivity services. The procurement seeks a single qualified contractor to provide fiber connectivity solutions, with a contract term spanning five years from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. Vendors must submit comprehensive pricing templates for all three lots, maintaining firm pricing throughout the contract duration and adhering to the Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP) as defined by FCC regulations. Evaluation criteria will prioritize pricing as the primary factor, followed by technical approach and vendor qualifications. The submission deadline is December 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with award notification scheduled for December 12, 2025.

Respondents must possess a valid Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and Federal Communications Commission Registration Number (FCCRN), demonstrating active participation in the E-Rate program. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, vendors must comply with South Carolina security policies and maintain rigorous service standards, including 99.99% service availability for lit fiber services and 24/7x365 help desk support with technical personnel located in the United States and specifically in South Carolina. The contractor will be required to collect and remit a monthly administrative fee to OTIS and will be subject to service credits for failing to meet operational requirements. The procurement is funded through E-Rate program mechanisms and Universal Service Fund allocations, suggesting potential funding support for qualifying vendors. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the solicitation covering three school districts and multiple service lots indicates a potentially significant contract value for the selected provider.