Network Switches and Related Components

Indianapolis Public Schools is requesting proposals for network switches and related components to upgrade and expand wireless capacity throughout the district under RFP-27-003, with proposals due November 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET through the Indigo Procurement Portal and written questions due October 8, 2026. This is an e-rate funded solicitation requiring all respondents to hold a current Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and comply with Universal Services Administration Company (USAC) and FCC regulations — a mandatory federal eligibility filter.

The scope encompasses Commscope Ruckus or equivalent network equipment including aggregation routers (5 units), core switches (30 units, model ICX 8200-24XP2), distribution switches (220 units, models ICX 7850-48FS and ICX 8200-48NP2), wireless access points (500 units, models R770, R670, T670, T750), optical transceivers and stacking cables, power supplies, management platforms, wireless controllers, and firewall cluster components. Equipment must integrate with existing head-end and downstream infrastructure. Vendors must indicate e-rate eligibility for each line item and offer Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP) based on services provided to similarly situated non-residential customers. All pricing must be itemized and held firm through the contract term and any renewal period. Performance bond charges (10% requirement) are ineligible for e-rate reimbursement and must be listed separately.

The contract period runs April 1, 2027 through September 30, 2028, with an option to extend one additional year through September 30, 2029. Billing and payment begin July 1, 2027 or upon e-rate funding approval. Board approval is targeted for December 2026; installation and testing completion is required by June 15, 2027. IPS reserves the right to award to one or more responsive and responsible contractors; the contract is non-exclusive.

Evaluation criteria: specification agreement compliance (pass/fail), total cost of ownership (35%), quality and technical architecture (30%), technical service and support (15%), vendor capability and references (10%), disaster recovery and contractual terms (10%), and implementation plan feasibility (5%). Diversity business prime respondents receive a possible 5% evaluation bonus.

Contact Nicole Kenney at cont917nk@myips.org for additional information.