E-Rate Firewall License Renewal

The Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPSD) in Brown County, Wisconsin, is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP Q2526-05) for an E-Rate Firewall License Renewal, seeking to procure licenses for firewall equipment already owned by the district. Specifically, the procurement involves obtaining one Fortigate Firewall License (Part Number FC-10-F22HE-950-02-12) or an equivalent solution, with vendors required to submit detailed product specifications if proposing alternative makes/models. The evaluation criteria will weight proposals based on 40% E-rate eligible product costs, 30% non-E-rate eligible product costs, 15% vendor qualifications and support capabilities, and 15% prior positive experience with the district. Key procurement dates include a September 17, 2025 deadline for questions, September 23, 2025 for posted answers, and a proposal submission deadline of October 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM CDT. Proposals must be submitted through the Bonfire platform and include specific documentation such as Form 470 number, SPIN number, and service provider terms and conditions, with the estimated decision date set for October 24, 2025.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Vendors must comply with E-rate program rules, including offering the Lowest Corresponding Price and avoiding equipment from manufacturers deemed security risks (such as Huawei and ZTE). The district is not applying for E-rate funding for this specific license, suggesting potential self-funding or alternative financing. While a specific award value is not disclosed, the procurement covers licenses for 47 eligible entities including charter schools, Head Start, pre-K, and public schools. The district reserves the right to award part, all, or none of the contract, with the final agreement contingent on successful negotiation of terms. Vendors must submit all associated costs, including taxes and shipping, and provide a reference list of up to three public employer references from similar work completed within the last 5 years.