KETS Network Products and Services

The Kentucky Department of Education is requesting proposals for KETS Network Products and Services under RFP 758 2600000509, with proposals due August 14, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET, and the RFP establishes up to five master agreements to serve 175 school sites across Kentucky's public school districts, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the Kentucky School for the Deaf.

Original equipment manufacturers must bid directly; each OEM is limited to one proposal submission and may designate up to three authorized resellers or agents. All resellers must execute the KETS Network Products and Services Reseller Agreement and comply with E-Rate program requirements, including maintaining minimum discounts off manufacturer's suggested retail price. Vendors claiming resident bidder or qualified bidder status under Kentucky law must complete the required affidavits and attest to corporate authorization, tax compliance, and workers' compensation coverage.

The scope covers network infrastructure hardware and services including switches (Layer 2 and Layer 3), routers, wireless access points and controllers, firewalls, cables, software licenses, installation, training, and maintenance support. All products and services must meet E-Rate program eligibility requirements, comply with KETS architectural standards, adhere to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards, maintain Commonwealth data within the contiguous United States, and implement NIST Special Publication 800-53 moderate-level security controls. Proposed solutions must demonstrate national recognition, with consideration given to Gartner Magic Quadrant positioning for Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure. Equipment must be delivered within thirty calendar days of purchase order receipt with one year of primary service coverage and warranty included in initial costs.

The initial contract term runs through September 30, 2029, with four optional two-year renewal periods available upon mutual agreement. Pricing shall be structured as a minimum discount percentage off MSRP, constant throughout the contract term, though promotional discounts may be offered. The Commonwealth is tax-exempt and excludes federal excise tax and Kentucky sales or use tax from costs. Evaluation is based on technical merit (1,000 points), cost (1,625 points), and potential oral demonstrations (1,000 points). Vendor questions are due July 21, 2026.