HS_MS Wireless Network and Switches

Freeland Community School District (FCSD) in Saginaw County, Michigan, is seeking bids for a comprehensive wireless network and switch replacement project at its Middle/High School complex for the 2026-27 school year. The procurement involves supplying, delivering, configuring, and installing new network infrastructure, specifically 2 top-of-rack aggregation switches, 9 class 8 PoE 48-port switches, 15 class 4 PoE 48-port switches, 2 class 6 PoE 24-port switches, 32 transceivers, 24 stack cables, 95 Aruba AP 635 access points, and 2 Aruba AP 560 outdoor access points. The district aims to align the Middle/High School network with its existing infrastructure previously installed at the Elementary and Learning Center, focusing on a seamless, high-performance, secure, and reliable network. Bid submissions are due on December 4, 2025, at 2:00 P.M., with an optional pre-bid walkthrough available by scheduling with Jeff Hohman. Evaluation criteria will weight cost at 50%, experience at 30%, technical capability at 15%, and project plan at 5%. Bidders must include a 5% surety bond, warranty documentation, maintenance contract information, references, and E-rate SPIN registration.

While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the procurement indicates a preference for Aruba Networks as the primary manufacturer, though other tier 1 manufacturers will be considered. Bidders must provide switches that are fully manageable with RS-232 serial or USB console ports and offer lifetime software and hardware support with next business day replacement capability. All materials submitted become FCSD property, and product pricing must remain valid for 90 days from the bid opening. The district reserves the right to accept or reject any proposals and is not obligated to select the lowest offer. Bidders are required to submit a signed and notarized Familiar Relationship Statement and confirm 2026 Service Provider Annual Certification Form 473 filing by September 1, 2026. Payment will be made upon project completion within 30 days of final inspection, approved by the Director of Technology. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the network infrastructure replacement suggests a significant investment in technology upgrade and modernization.