New Haven Free Public Library Network Upgrade (C2 Network Equipment) FCC Form 470# #250024731

The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) in Connecticut is seeking a registered E-Rate service provider to conduct a comprehensive network infrastructure upgrade across five library branches in New Haven County. The procurement involves supplying and installing 44 network switches, 9 wireless access points, and 12 uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), with a strong preference for Cisco equipment utilizing Meraki Cloud management capabilities. Vendors must be FCC E-Rate service providers with a valid Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN). The evaluation criteria for this project will be weighted across multiple factors: pricing (35%), prior experience (20%), responsiveness (15%), personnel qualifications (10%), and technical merit (20%). The solicitation was posted on March 27, 2025, with proposals due on April 1, 2025, at 11:00 am. The contract term is initially one year, with potential for four optional one-year renewals at the city's discretion. Proposals will be assessed through a two-phase process involving point-based scoring and a subsequent pass/fail review of proposal completeness.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the City of New Haven's standard terms emphasize non-discrimination and encourage minority and women-owned business participation. The existing network infrastructure supports approximately 420 library-owned on-premise clients, including public and staff devices, 2 on-premise staff servers with 7 hosted virtual machines, and 3 on-premise camera servers. The main fiber connection at the Ives Main Library provides 5 Gbps connectivity, with 1 Gbps fiber distributed to four branch locations. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive network upgrade across five library sites suggests a significant investment. The project is funded through the E-Rate program, which provides discounted telecommunications and internet access for eligible public institutions. The five library locations involved include Ives Main Library, Mitchell Library, Fair Haven Library, Stetson Library @ Q House, and Wilson Library, with total square footages ranging from 10,644 to 120,000 square feet.