Network Equipment E-Rate

Polk County Public Schools in Florida has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) #021-DW-0126 for network equipment procurement, contingent upon E-Rate funding approval for the 2026 funding year. The district is seeking comprehensive network infrastructure components, specifically Aruba networking products or equivalent, including 13 core switches, 39 one-gigabit ethernet transceivers, 50 ten-gigabit SR transceivers, 50 ten-gigabit LR transceivers, multiple power supplies, and rack kits. Vendors must submit complete bids with per-unit pricing, demonstrate E-Rate eligibility for each line item, and provide proof of equipment compatibility with existing systems. Bid submissions are due electronically on December 1, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time through www.myvendorlink.com, with written questions accepted until October 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The recommended bid award will be posted around January 5, 2026, with Superintendent approval anticipated by January 27, 2026, and the initial contract period running one year beginning July 1, 2026.

Respondents must possess a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and Federal Communications Commission Registration Number (FRN), demonstrating compliance with E-Rate program requirements. A five percent bid bond is mandatory, and contracts exceeding $250,000 require a performance and payment bond of 100% of the contract amount. Vendors must submit three references from clients with recent E-Rate Priority Two/Category Two program experience and comply with E-Verify requirements, Florida debarment certifications, and anti-discrimination regulations. United Data Technologies, Inc. from Miramar, Florida, was the recommended vendor for all bid items, with a contract value not exceeding $250,000. The procurement is specifically designed for material-only pricing, with district personnel handling installation, and offers potential contract extensions for up to four additional one-year periods. Successful bidders must demonstrate the ability to provide equivalent or specified network equipment that fully integrates with the district's existing Ruckus Zone Director 3050 and Aruba networking infrastructure.