Request for Proposal for Network Optics

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Technical Services department is seeking network optics equipment through Request for Proposal 4067 to support its 1:1 device rollout across 49 school buildings serving approximately 27,000 students. The procurement specifically targets Cisco network optical modules, including 139 SFP-10G-SR-S modules, 92 SFP-10G-LR-S modules, various CWDM and DWDM modules, and 24 SFP-H10GB-CU3M cables. The proposal is structured as an E-Rate Category 2 funding process, requiring vendors to possess a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and submit invoices using the Service Provider Invoice (SPI) method. Evaluation criteria will be weighted across five key areas: cost of eligible products (35%), integration with existing network architecture (30%), in-state/local vendor status (20%), past performance (10%), and SPI invoicing compliance (5%). Critical dates include a vendor conference on January 29, 2020, at 1:30 PM CST, a written question deadline of January 24, 2020, at 2:00 PM CST, and the proposal submission deadline of February 28, 2020, at 2:00 PM CST. Board of Education approval is estimated for March 23, 2020, with intent to award notification on March 24, 2020.

The district provides opportunities for diverse-owned businesses, offering a 5% proposal preference for vendors certified by the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program or participating in the Wisconsin Diversity Procurement Network. The current infrastructure utilizes Cisco hardware and software for managing wired and wireless LAN, and the district will consider both Cisco and equivalent products for this procurement. Equipment must be ordered between June 15 and July 15, 2020, with receipt and invoicing required after July 1, 2020, to align with the 2020-21 E-Rate funding year. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement includes 247 individual line items across various network optics modules. The district maintains flexibility in the procurement, reserving the right to defer or cancel agreements if E-Rate funding becomes unavailable. Vendors are expected to comply with all appendices and standard terms and conditions, though the district indicates openness to considering modifications on a case-by-case basis with the successful proposer. No installation services are included in this RFP, and vendors are responsible for submitting FCC Form 474 to USAC for reimbursement of the district's discount portion.