High-Speed Transport Services for Network Nebraska

The State of Nebraska, through the Department of Administrative Services State Purchasing Bureau, is seeking qualified vendors to design, develop, and implement high-speed transport services for Network Nebraska, a statewide telecommunications network serving 294 educational entities. The procurement focuses on leased lit fiber circuits with Ethernet-based, layer-2 high-speed data connectivity linking eligible entities to seven core aggregation points in cities including Omaha, Lincoln, and Norfolk. Vendors must provide bandwidth options ranging from 100 Mbps to higher capacities, with mandatory compliance with FCC E-Rate requirements and possession of a Service Provider Form 498 I.D. (SPIN). Key deliverables include circuit installation, maintenance, and service level guarantees requiring 99.99% uptime, maximum 15-millisecond latency, and 24-hour trouble response. The solicitation was released on December 18, 2025, with an electronic bid submission deadline of January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The initial contract term is four years, commencing July 1, 2026, with potential four one-year renewal options, and all new circuits must be operational by the first Friday in August of each service year.

While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, vendors must meet rigorous technical and compliance standards to be considered. The contract allows for awards to one or multiple vendors, with total 48-month costs calculated through a specific pricing methodology including monthly recurring charges, non-recurring charges, and applicable taxes. Participating entities represent a diverse range of educational institutions, including K-12 school districts, educational service units, public and private colleges, universities, public libraries, and some municipalities. Vendors must bundle all costs, including equipment, hardware, installation, cross-connects, and maintenance, into circuit costs without additional charges. The state reserves the right to conduct annual technology refresh reviews and may impose liquidated damages for E-Rate eligibility failures. Though specific award values are not disclosed, the comprehensive cost sheet suggests significant potential contract value across 25 participating entities with bandwidth options ranging from 200 Mbps to 100,000 Mbps.