E-Rate Network Switches

The Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPSD) in Brown County, Wisconsin, is conducting an E-Rate Category 2 Network Switching procurement through RFP #Q2526-04, seeking to replace aging network edge switches with Extreme Networks equipment. The district requires 162 units of 5420M-48W-4YE switches, 115 units of 5420M-16MW-32P-4YE switches, one ISW-8GP-G4 switch, and one 5320-24P-8XE switch to upgrade its existing Wide Area Network infrastructure. Specific procurement requirements include initial configuration, modular power supplies, fully populated power configuration, a minimum 5-year license for all equipment, a 5-year hardware replacement warranty, and associated freight costs. The evaluation criteria will weight E-Rate eligible product costs at 30%, transition costs at 25%, prior district experience at 20%, respondent qualifications at 15%, and local availability at 10%. Key procurement dates include a question submission deadline of September 17, 2025, with answers posted by September 23, and proposal responses due by October 22, 2025. The district prefers a multi-year agreement from April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028, with an initial award term of April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and an optional renewal available.

The procurement does not explicitly detail set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but it does require vendors to be compatible with the district's existing Extreme Networks environment, including SPBM Fabric and Network Access Control (NAC) systems. The current network infrastructure utilizes Extreme Networks switching from core to edge, necessitating that any proposed solution demonstrate functional equivalence to the specified equipment models. Vendors must complete various attachments, including a Vendor Identification form, Reference List, and Subcontractor List, to provide comprehensive information about their capabilities. The project is funded through the E-Rate program, which provides governmental and educational discounts, potentially reducing the overall procurement cost. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves 279 total switch units across 46 eligible entities, suggesting a significant investment in network infrastructure modernization. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Bonfire public portal, with a maximum file size of 1000 MB, and vendors are required to certify non-collusion and compliance with public records laws.