E-Rate FY 2026 - Switchgear

Somerset Independent School District is soliciting sealed proposals for network switchgear equipment, components, and installation services through Request for Proposals (RFP) 26-002 for E-Rate FY 2026 funding. The procurement encompasses the purchase, installation, and initial configuration of eight network switches, including three 48-port core switches (Cisco C9500-48Y4C-EDU or approved equal), four 24-port access switches (Cisco C9300X-24Y-EDU or approved equal), and one 48-port access switch (Cisco C9300-48T-E or approved equal), along with all auxiliary equipment, cabling, software, stacking modules, patch cables, patch panels, racks, fiber connection equipment, and necessary licenses. The District requires a mandatory walkthrough on January 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Somerset Independent School District Administration Office located at 7791 6th Street, Somerset, Texas, with questions due by January 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM CST through the Euna Procurement Portal. Sealed proposals must be submitted by January 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM CST, with bid opening scheduled for the same day at 3:30 PM CST and an anticipated award date of February 9, 2026. The contract term extends through the E-Rate 2026 funding year ending June 30, 2027, or until all work is complete. Evaluation criteria include purchase price (50 percent), vendor reputation (10 percent), quality of goods or services (15 percent), extent to which goods meet District needs (15 percent), past relationship with District (5 percent), and total long-term cost (5 percent). Vendors must demonstrate liability and workers' compensation insurance with the District named as additional insured and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Only vendors holding a valid Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and current FCC Form 473 Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC) on file with USAC/SLD are eligible to bid, and vendors with Red-Light Status from the FCC are ineligible. Pricing must reflect the lowest corresponding price (LCP) as required by FCC E-Rate regulations, with prices remaining firm for the duration of the funding year. The District will utilize Service Provider Invoicing (SPI) for all services and equipment, with payment made upon receipt of correct invoices for delivered, installed, and accepted goods. The contract is contingent upon Somerset Independent School District receiving E-Rate funding via a funding commitment decision letter at the requested percentage rate, and installation work for Category 2 cannot commence before April 1, 2026. The District reserves the right to award on an item-by-item or group basis, reject any or all proposals, and cancel the contract without penalty upon written notice. No specific budget range or award value is provided in the solicitation documents; however, vendors must complete the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (Form CIQ) required by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 176 and submit it within seven business days of becoming aware of facts requiring disclosure or after beginning negotiations with the District.