ERATE 2026-2027 Network Equipment Lifecycle Replacement

The Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Technology Department is soliciting sealed proposal packages for the ERATE 2026-2027 Network Equipment Lifecycle Replacement project, which encompasses the procurement of network switches and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units across 35-36 district sites in Chatham County, Georgia. The procurement involves specific Cisco switch models including C9500-24Y4C-EDU, C9200L series, C9300 series, and C9200CX models, along with two Vertiv UPS models (GXT5LI-2000LVRT2UXLN and GXT5LI-1500LVRT2UXLN). Bidders must provide comprehensive company information, demonstrate technical capabilities, and comply with multiple regulatory requirements including E-Verify authorization, debarment certifications, and lobbying disclosure. The solicitation requires bidders to submit detailed documentation including a Bidder Information Form, Debarment Affidavit, and Evidence of E-Verify compliance. The proposal submission deadline is January 22, 2026, with bids remaining valid for 90 days following the scheduled bid opening. Evaluation criteria will assess vendor qualifications, technical specifications, pricing competitiveness, and compliance with SCCPSS requirements.

The procurement is open to qualified firms with no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises explicitly mentioned in the documentation. Bidders must have been in business for a demonstrable period, possess relevant licenses, and provide at least three professional references from organizations receiving similar goods and services. The contract is contingent upon receiving a funding commitment letter from the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) under the E-Rate Program, which provides discounts for eligible network equipment. Contractors must obtain a valid E-Rate Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and comply with FCC record-keeping requirements. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the equipment procurement involves 26 primary switch units, 533 secondary switches, 9 specialized C9200CX units, 528 additional units, 109 stacking kits, and 90 transceivers, suggesting a substantial technology infrastructure investment. The contract term will not exceed one year from execution, with potential extensions for two additional one-year periods, subject to mutual written agreement and Georgia law requirements.