E-rate Internet Egress - related to the E-rate program - IFB

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) and the Illinois Century Network (ICN) are requesting bids for Internet Egress services to support the E-rate Program serving K-12 customers, with bids due September 15, 2026 under IFB 27-448DOIT-ADMIN-B-53292. A mandatory pre-submission webinar is scheduled for August 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM Central Time, with written questions due August 21, 2026.

Vendors must hold a valid Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) from the Universal Service Fund's Schools and Libraries Program and a valid FCC Registration Number (FCC RN), and must maintain FCC Green Light Status throughout the contract term. This is a decision-filter requirement that restricts eligibility to vendors with demonstrated E-rate program compliance infrastructure.

The scope requires Internet Egress services with pricing submitted for seven bandwidth levels: 10 Gbps, 20 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 60 Gbps, 80 Gbps, 100 Gbps, and 200 Gbps. Vendors must provide three pricing components for each level: Non-Recurring Charge (NRC), fixed price per Mbps per month for Committed Data Rate (CDR), and burst price per Mbps per month. Service is scheduled to commence July 1, 2027. All pricing must be all-inclusive with no additional taxes, fees, or telecommunications-related charges permitted after award. Pricing must remain fixed for the duration of the associated E-rate Funding Year(s) and comply with FCC Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP) rules.

The contract term is six years. Award will be made to the lowest priced Total Cost of Ownership responsive and responsible bidder, evaluated on aggregate TCO across all bandwidth levels through 200 Gbps, calculated over 72 months assuming 50% monthly burst utilization. The Business Enterprise Program participation goal is 0%, and the Veteran Small Business Program participation goal is 0%. The resulting contract may be partially or wholly funded with Federal funds, with the percentage and dollar amount disclosed upon notice of award. A performance bond may be required at contract execution. Vendors must submit the IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form or the alternative Vendor Disclosure form (Form A) with their bid response; failure to submit may render the submission non-responsive.