Information technology (IT) managed services

LEAD Public Schools is soliciting proposals from qualified Managed Service Providers to deliver comprehensive IT managed services across all campuses, with proposals due June 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CDT through the Bonfire Portal. The procurement follows a four-stage evaluation process with no stated set-aside or preference program.

The scope encompasses end-to-end management of desktops, laptops, servers, and network-connected devices; centralized help desk support; network and infrastructure management; cloud and SaaS administration; cybersecurity services; software and license management; device and asset management; onsite support; and strategic technology advisory services. LEAD Public Schools operates six campuses serving approximately 1,978 students and 284 staff members, with plans to expand to approximately 2,000 devices and endpoints by 2027. The current environment includes 3,661 Chromebooks, MacBook Air M3 devices, Promethean ActivPanel displays, cloud-managed Meraki networking infrastructure, Google Workspace for Education, Infinite Campus SIS, and Canvas LMS. Vendors must satisfy mandatory insurance requirements: $1 million general liability, $2 million technology errors and omissions, $1 million cyber liability, and statutory workers' compensation coverage. The RFP requires firm fixed price contracts only, with detailed monthly managed services fees, per-user or per-device pricing, one-time implementation costs, project-based hourly rates, and hardware procurement markups. A purchase rebate program requires minimum rebate percentages ranging from 1.5% to 4.5% based on annual spend tiers of $100,000 or more.

The contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewal extensions held at LEAD's sole discretion, with service commencement scheduled for August 1, 2026. The incumbent managed services provider is Technology Lab. Evaluation criteria are technical scoring at 70 points (Stage 2 panel evaluation) and financial evaluation at 30 points (Stage 3). All proposals must include required exhibits covering fee schedules, suspension and debarment certifications, non-collusion affidavits, and insurance documentation. The evaluation panel may conduct interviews and reference checks, with final award contingent upon board or executive approval and successful contract negotiations.