Internet Access Services

The State is seeking diverse, reliable and scalable high-speed Internet Access for the Digital Dakota Network (DDN) / Research Education and Economic Development (REED) Network / State Network. To meet these requirements, an Offeror must be able to meet and support the technical requirements listed in Section 3.
The State administers this wide-area network, referred to as DDN/REED/State Government network. This network provides services to State and Local Governments, Board of Regents, and Public K-12 Education. The network has two (2) core locations that are also the peering sites to the Internet. The core sites are currently located in Pierre, SD and Madison, SD. The service must connect to all with options to increase the subscribed bandwidth during the contract term. The final bandwidth allocations between sites will be established upon the award of the contract. The State's usage could reach 150 Gbps+ during the term of the contract as demand and needs continue to expand amongst all Vendors awarded. The State reserves the right to increase or decrease the bandwidth needs during the term of this contract as minor contract modifications. The Internet connections procured by the State will be protected by a DDOS mitigation service to protect against DDOS attacks.
The bandwidth purchased for the entire State, including both K-12 and other government entities, for the year ending June 30, 2026, as of September 2025 is 110 Gbps. The bandwidth purchased for K-12 sites for the year ending June 30, 2026, as of September 2025 is 75.25 Gbps. The actual amount to be purchased for the initial term of the contract may be a different quantity to meet Internet needs as of July 1, 2026.
All written questions must be sent to: E-Rate@state.sd.us, only emailed questions will be accepted. See the schedule in Section 1.3 for the deadline for submission of questions.
Each offeror may submit questions via email concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No questions will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the above schedule of activities. Email questions to the email address listed above with the subject line "RFP#25RFP16406". The questions and their answers will be sent to all offerors that submitted Letters of Intent, submitted questions, or requested the questions and answers via email before the proposal submittal date and will be sent by the date and time indicated in the above calendar of events. Offeror may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP that have not originated from the SD RFP Project Contact. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP. Offerors and their agents may not contact any state employee other than the buyer of record regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and exclusion from specific procurements. All questions and answers will also be posted to the E-Rate Form 470 website.