Network Hardware and Software Licenses

Appalachian State University, a division of the State of North Carolina, has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for network hardware and software licenses to support facility upgrades across multiple residence hall locations. The procurement seeks Cisco Catalyst network switches, wireless access points, software licenses (including DNA Advantage licenses, ThousandEyes Enterprise agents, and Cisco Spaces Extend licenses), and associated components such as power supplies, cables, and mounting hardware across eight residential facilities with varying quantities. Bidders must be authorized resellers or manufacturers of the specified Cisco products and must provide manufacturer authorization statements with their bids, along with at least three customer references for supplied equipment models. The delivery of all materials and licenses must be completed within 20 calendar days of purchase order receipt to Appalachian State University Central Receiving in Lenoir, North Carolina on a Free-On-Board Destination basis, with pricing required to be fully inclusive of all costs for delivery, handling, and associated fees. A 12-month minimum warranty from the date of equipment operation is required, covering all defective parts replacement, labor, and freight at no additional cost to the State. Key deadlines include written questions due by April 22, 2026, responses to questions on April 24, 2026, and bids due on April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, with contract award expected as soon as practicable following bid opening. Evaluation will be based on lowest price meeting specifications, with consideration given to vendor qualifications, past performance, and references.

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation requirement with a 10% utilization goal for diverse firms, and bidders must comply with sustainability requirements per Governor Cooper's Executive Order 80, demonstrating environmental attributes and recycled content capabilities. Vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and must certify financial stability and compliance with E-Verify requirements. The State reserves the right to award to a single vendor for all line items or to make separate awards to different vendors by line item based on its evaluation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. While no specific budget or award value is provided in the available documentation, the scope of materials across multiple facilities with quantities ranging from single units to over 250 units for certain items suggests a substantial contract value. The contract term is one year from the effective date of final execution, with no renewal options mentioned.