ITB-SMCPS-2026-IT-ACWAM - Aruba Central Wireless AP Management (E-Rate)

The Board of Education of St. Mary's County on behalf of St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is requesting sealed bids for licensing of HPE Aruba Central Network Management Solution or equivalent network management compatible with HPE Aruba network hardware, with bids due February 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time through the eMaryland Marketplace website. Questions are due January 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Addendum I, issued January 27, 2026, amended payment and invoicing terms and requires written acknowledgment of receipt before proposal submission.

SMCPS seeks 1,600 HPE Aruba Central Foundation Subscription Licenses. This procurement is E-Rate funded; vendors must provide valid Service Provider Identification Numbers (SPIN), FCC Registration Numbers, and certify compliance with E-Rate requirements, including disclosure of any FCC red-lighting or audits/investigations by USAC, FCC, DOJ, or associated E-Rate program investigators within five years prior to ITB issuance. Under E-Rate payment structure, vendors invoice SMCPS for 100 percent of work performed and receive full payment from the school district; SMCPS subsequently submits documentation to USAC for federal reimbursement. Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond.

The contract runs for an initial one-year term with SMCPS holding the option to renew for four additional one-year periods (potential five-year total). Any proposals utilizing multi-year commitments must be invoiced annually. Pricing shall include cost per complete solution and annual support costs. Delivery is F.O.B. Destination inside. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Payment and Performance Bonds are required for contracts exceeding $100,000. SMCPS reserves the right to award requirements in total or in part, make multiple awards, and reject any or all bids. Contract awards are subject to availability of funding. Work coordination and scheduling occur with the Department of Information and Technology.