FY 2026 Phone System Replacement

The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-RFP-006 for a comprehensive Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center solution to replace their existing phone system. The procurement seeks a cloud-based communication platform to support 235 total lines, including 21 auto attendants, 20 Contact Center users, 118 Named Users, and 76 open numbers. Required solution features must include VoIP capabilities, call routing, mobile applications, skills-based routing, real-time analytics, and compliance features such as automated call recording pausing for PCI DSS compliance. Vendors will be evaluated across five key criteria: platform capability (25 points), qualifications (20 points), implementation approach (20 points), cost of ownership (20 points), and training and support (15 points). The RFP timeline includes a September 12, 2025 deadline for submitting questions, proposal submissions due by September 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST, anticipated vendor selection by December 5, 2025, and a final award notification expected by October 31, 2025. Proposals must be submitted through the Bonfire eProcurement Platform, with vendors required to meet specified minimum insurance requirements.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate set-aside designations or restrictions for specific enterprise types. The contractor must comply with the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act, which requires registration and participation in the federal E-verify program to verify employment authorization for all new employees, and similar compliance from subcontractors. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the UCaaS and Contact Center solution suggests a significant investment in modernizing the organization's communication infrastructure. The procurement appears to be open to qualified vendors with demonstrated experience in enterprise communication solutions, with a focus on technical capabilities, implementation expertise, and ongoing support. The selected vendor will be responsible for a full-scale replacement of BJWSA's existing phone system, integrating a modern, cloud-based communication platform that enhances organizational communication efficiency and customer engagement capabilities.