MET8 Metro Ethernet (IFB)

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology is seeking bids for fiber-based point-to-point metro-ethernet transport service with speeds between 100 MB and 1 GB for agency locations throughout Illinois under IFB 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-53678, with bids due September 30, 2026. A 12% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) subcontracting goal applies; bidders must submit a completed BEP Utilization Plan or be deemed non-responsive.

The scope covers metro-ethernet transport service connecting 15 Points of Presence across Illinois, including the Central Computing Facility in Springfield, the Michael A Blandic Building in Chicago, regional office centers, and major universities including the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, and John Wood Community College. Additionally, three specific facilities require service: Illinois Department of Transportation locations in Freeport and Morrison (currently served by Frontier Communications) and an Illinois Department of Natural Resources facility in Makanda (currently served by Cellular Service). The contract requires 99.98% availability or better based on a 30-day average, guaranteed synchronous bandwidth, and continuous operation 24/7/365.

The solicitation anticipates multiple awards, with each site evaluated separately and awarded to the vendor submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid per location. Bidders must submit electronic bids exclusively through BidBuy and include Vendor Disclosure or active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration, the offer blank, and applicable BEP Utilization Plans. Pricing must include Monthly Recurring Costs, Non-Recurring Installation Costs, and optional bandwidth tier pricing. Total cost of ownership is calculated as (Monthly Recurring Cost × Service Term) plus Non-Recurring Installation Cost. All pricing must be all-inclusive with no additional charges permitted after award. Bids must remain firm for 180 days from opening. No bid bond or performance bond is required.