E-rate hotspot

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is seeking a vendor to provide 4,500 mobile hotspot devices and associated cellular services through an E-Rate eligible procurement (FCC Form 470 #250002936). The RFP requires hotspots with at least 4G LTE capability, featuring download speeds between 5-12 Mbps and upload speeds between 2-5 Mbps, with preference given to 5G service plans. The contract will commence on July 1, 2025, with an initial one-year term and potential renewals for two additional one-year periods. Proposals are due on January 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, with written questions accepted until January 9, 2025. Evaluation criteria will include price/cost, ability to meet overall needs, vendor experience with school districts, and local presence. Vendors must include their Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and clearly differentiate between eligible and ineligible products and services. CIPA-compliant content filtering must be included, with any associated charges listed separately.

The procurement emphasizes participation of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (M/W/SBE), requiring vendors to specify the percentage of contract value dedicated to subcontracting with diverse businesses. Vendors must complete detailed M/W/SBE utilization forms, identifying subcontractors by category (Black/African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American Indian, Female, Small, or Socially and Economically Disadvantaged). All vendors must comply with the NC Lunsford Act, conducting annual criminal background checks on employees who will work on school property. The contract includes a 7.25% local tax rate, and pricing must encompass all associated costs including handling, transportation, and administrative fees. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves 4,500 hotspot devices with associated cellular service plans. Vendors must also demonstrate financial solvency and provide proof of comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in automobile and commercial general liability insurance.