Network Switch Refresh II

Spring Independent School District in Houston, Texas is requesting proposals for network switch refresh II covering approximately 250 network switches, supporting hardware, software licenses, and five-year support under RFP due November 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM (CT), with questions due October 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM (CT).

The scope requires Juniper EX4400 switches or equivalent models meeting specified technical requirements, along with 250 additional power supplies and cables, 187 DAC cables, 171 network modules, 230 transceivers, and 250 software licenses (Juniper Mist AI Cloud Services or equivalent). All solutions must be turnkey with new hardware, appropriate software licensing, and five-year support and maintenance included. Vendors must be certified Juniper partners or equivalent-manufacturer partners with demonstrable K-12 or public sector experience in switch deployments. Suppliers may bid on all or select items; the District reserves the right to issue partial or full awards.

Estimated contract value exceeds $1,000,000 over the five-year initial term commencing February 10, 2027 through February 9, 2032. Bid pricing must remain fixed for the full initial term; price increases at renewal are limited to no more than 3 percent with proper justification. The District reserves the right to extend the contract month-to-month thereafter to prevent service lapses. Award recommendation is scheduled for the Spring ISD Board of Trustees meeting on February 9, 2027. The contract is contingent upon funding and final Board approval, with the District reserving the right to terminate due to non-appropriation of funds.

Evaluation criteria are purchase price (30 points), AI automation capabilities (12 points), quality of goods and services (15 points), extent to which services meet District needs (12 points), company location in Texas (5 points), vendor reputation (12 points), and past relationship with the District (14 points). Vendors must comply with E-Rate registration and guidelines, federal compliance requirements under 2 CFR 200, and all applicable Texas Education Code provisions, including criminal history and fingerprinting certifications for covered employees.