LAN Fiber Optic Installation E-Rate

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, is seeking competitive bids for a comprehensive Local Area Network (LAN) Fiber Optic Installation project funded through the E-Rate program. The procurement involves installing fiber optic cable and associated network infrastructure across 69 educational facilities in Polk County, with an estimated 310,930 feet of hybrid fiber optic cabling, 28,280 feet of innerduct, fiber optic enclosures, adapter plates, and related terminations. Bidders must possess a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), Federal Communications Commission Registration Number (FRN), and maintain Green Light Status. The project's key objectives include connecting various campus entities and upgrading network infrastructure, with installation work contingent upon E-Rate funding approval. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for November 14, 2024, at 9:00 AM ET at Spessard Holland Elementary, with electronic bid submissions due by December 13, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET. The evaluation will follow a comprehensive grid assessing technical capabilities, pricing, compliance, and other critical factors, with the bid opening and initial recommendation for award anticipated on December 17, 2024, and final board approval expected on January 28, 2025.

The contract opportunity appears open to all qualified service providers, with no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises mentioned in the documentation. The project requires integration with existing school district network infrastructure, with vendors expected to provide products compatible with current systems. MCS of Tampa has been recommended as the preferred vendor for the entire project, covering all bid items including equivalent products. The contract will have an initial one-year term beginning July 1, 2025, with potential for four additional one-year extensions under the same terms and conditions. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the project scope suggests a significant investment, with approximately 792 estimated fiber runs, 1,194 SC and ST panels, and 2,478 estimated blanks. The school district will be responsible for its non-discounted cost share, with potential E-Rate program discounts based on the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Vendors must be prepared to work within school environments, ensuring minimal disruption to student learning activities.