MET5-CY25 Metro Ethernet

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is soliciting bids for a Metro Ethernet Transport Service contract (solicitation number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-49864) to establish fiber-based point-to-point network connectivity across various state agency locations. The procurement seeks wide area network (WAN) services with bandwidth ranging from 20MB to 1GB, delivered via fiber, targeting connectivity between state offices and Illinois Century Network (ICN) Point of Presence (POP) sites. Key technical requirements include 99.98% service availability, guaranteed synchronous bandwidth, and continuous 24/7/365 operation. Electronic bids will be accepted through the BidBuy system, with submissions due on December 11, 2025, and bids required to remain firm for 180 days from opening. The state anticipates multiple awards, with each site evaluated independently and awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Evaluation will utilize a comprehensive formula considering monthly recurring cost, service term, non-recurring installation cost, and non-recurring special construction cost.

The procurement includes a 30% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal for special construction, with specific set-asides for minority, women, and disability-owned businesses. Vendors must submit a Utilization Plan demonstrating how they will meet contract-specific diversity goals through self-performance or subcontracting. The state has established aspirational goals of awarding at least 30% of contract dollars to businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, with an additional 3% target for service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the solicitation covers multiple sites across Illinois, including locations in cities such as Du Quoin, Monmouth, Charleston, Jerseyville, Sterling, Carmi, Pittsfield, Ullin, and Morton. Current service providers for existing connectivity include Clearwave, McDonough Telco, Stratus, and Frontier, suggesting potential incumbent or competitive bidding scenarios. The procurement allows for potential federal funding and offers possible employment tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and ex-offenders.