Ocean Center Wireless Network Upgrade

Volusia County, Florida, is seeking a comprehensive wireless network upgrade for the Ocean Center through Request for Proposal (RFP) #25-P-45JRD, which requires a turnkey wireless solution involving system design, hardware and software installation, and low-voltage cabling infrastructure replacement. The project demands a full wireless network upgrade that will provide coverage across multiple facility spaces, including meeting rooms, ballrooms, arena, exhibit hall, and the first floor of the parking garage, with the capacity to support up to 34,907 devices. The contractor must implement a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or newer standard wireless solution, ensuring a minimum signal strength of -65 dBm and incorporating advanced features such as multiple onboarding options, secure guest access, and potential revenue generation through tiered WiFi pricing. The RFP was released on March 4, 2025, with a mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025, and responses due by May 13, 2025, at 3:01 pm. Proposal evaluations will be conducted using a comprehensive scoring system that weights firm qualifications (20%), total cost (15%), project approach (22.5%), solution capabilities (22.5%), and maintenance & warranty (20%), with the ultimate goal of minimizing long-term county costs and optimizing data gathering and communications.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract is structured as a five-year agreement with potential for two one-year renewals, and while no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the county will require the successful contractor to potentially reuse existing infrastructure components and remove obsolete equipment. The project includes comprehensive training requirements for three county staff members on system administration and operations, and imposes potential liquidated damages of $1,000 per day for delays in system acceptance and implementation. The contractor must comply with various local government requirements, including E-Verify regulations, non-discrimination policies, and public records law. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the project involves a full-scale wireless infrastructure upgrade across a multi-level facility, suggesting a significant investment. The contractor will be responsible for providing redundant Wireless LAN Controllers, a management dashboard, user onboarding capabilities, and customizable landing pages, with the system needing to support device roaming and multiple connection types.