E-rate network infrastructure equipment - RFP #26-0395

The School Board of Sarasota County (SBSC) is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP #26-0395) for E-Rate Network Infrastructure Equipment, specifically seeking firm pricing for Access Layer Switches compatible with their existing network infrastructure. The procurement targets Cisco Catalyst switch models, including 82 units of C9300L-48T-4X-EDU, 1 unit of C9300L-24T-4X-EDU, 1 unit of C9300-48UN-EDU, 19 units of C9300-24UX-EDU, and 1 unit of C9200CX-12P-EDU, along with associated software licenses, power supplies, and accessories. All proposed equipment must integrate seamlessly with the district's existing Cisco DNA Centralized Management Software, Cisco Identity Services Engine, and support Cisco Discovery Protocol. The evaluation criteria include an executive summary (20 points), background and ability to execute (25 points), quality of eligible products pricing (35 points), quality of non-eligible products pricing (10 points), and references (10 points). Key dates include written questions due by November 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. EST, electronic proposal submissions through VendorLink due by December 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. EST, evaluation period from December 19, 2025 through January 8, 2026, and a recommended award posting on February 10, 2026.

The procurement is funded through the E-Rate Program administered by the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company, contingent upon USAC funding approval. Service providers must obtain valid SPIN and FCC Registration Numbers, demonstrate FCC Green Light Status, and comply with E-Rate Lowest Corresponding Price requirements. The RFP anticipates awarding to a single proposer, with Florida Statute 287.084 preferences applied to adjust pricing for bidders with principal places of business outside Florida. No specific purchase volume is guaranteed, and the district reserves the right to pursue alternate funding sources if E-Rate funding is not approved. The contract will commence upon School Board and USAC approval and continue until all items are purchased, with options to renew for two additional one-year periods based on mutual agreement. Pricing must be submitted as firm fixed fees for eligible and non-eligible parts, with percentage discounts offered for end-of-life or discontinued items. The district is tax-exempt and will not pay federal excise or local sales taxes. Proposers must submit equipment as new and cannot offer refurbished or grey-market gear, ensuring high-quality, directly sourced network infrastructure equipment.