FC0001959 CIENA- AMR On-Net – DHS BL355 (211 Schilling Cir. )

The State of Maryland Department of Information Technology is requesting proposals for Ciena Advanced Multiplexing and Routing on-net telecommunications equipment and services at the Department of Human Services building at 211 Schilling Circle in Hunt Valley, Howard County, under RFP FC0001959, with proposals due March 19, 2026.

The scope encompasses procurement and deployment of three Ciena 3948 switches with perpetual software licenses (SAOS 10G base operating system with Ethernet, OAM, EVPN, routing, MPLS, and security functionality), transceiver modules (SFP and SFP+ optics with specified distance and wavelength configurations), one MCP Base software license with enhanced troubleshooting capabilities, six power cables, managed spares with next-business-day arrival coverage, and one-year support packages for both the Ciena 3948 equipment and Navigator Base software. The Bill of Materials specifies detailed equipment and optics configurations; pricing is structured to reflect MSRP and estimated cost based on Maryland's historical procurement data for similar projects, though specific dollar amounts are redacted in the published materials.

Vendors must demonstrate technical capability in Ciena network solutions, on-net telecommunications infrastructure, and the ability to integrate with Maryland's statewide network architecture. A Mercury Affidavit certifying compliance with Maryland environmental and health regulations regarding mercury materials in equipment, installation, and operation is a mandatory submission requirement. Evaluation will consider technical capability, pricing competitiveness, past performance, and ability to meet Maryland procurement standards. The contract will establish an initial service term with potential renewal options.