Erate category 2 network products & SVC

The State of South Carolina is soliciting proposals for E-Rate Category 2 Network Products and Services under a multi-lot structure, with proposals due August 17, 2026. Federal E-Rate program compliance and Universal Service Fund participation are mandatory — bidders must hold a valid Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and certify willingness to participate in FCC and South Carolina Public Service Commission discount programs per Attachment D.

The procurement covers nine lots of network equipment and services. Lots 1–8 reference specific manufacturer price lists as baseline benchmarks: Extreme Networks, Barracuda, HPE, Juniper, Palo Alto, Ruckus, Fortinet, and Cisco, each with manufacturer list prices effective between June 1 and June 26, 2026. Lot 9 is designated for new functionality and requires offerors to submit the proposed manufacturer's most recent price list with their proposal rather than reference a predetermined standard. Attachment B provides a detailed eligibility and product reference spreadsheet defining the scope of eligible network products and services under the E-Rate Category 2 framework.

Attachment E establishes technical specifications, service level agreements, compliance standards, and performance metrics that bidders must meet or exceed. The procurement leverages federal E-Rate funding to reduce costs for eligible South Carolina schools and libraries. Proposals will be evaluated on technical qualifications, pricing competitiveness, and prior experience with E-Rate-funded projects. The contract will include potential renewal options. South Carolina procurement policies may include set-asides for small businesses or minority-owned vendors. Offerors may submit clarification questions using the template provided in Attachment C; the State will respond to substantive inquiries during the solicitation period.