Request for Proposal for Network Switches

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Technical Services department is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP 4066) to procure network switches for a district-wide 1:1 device rollout initiative. The procurement specifically targets Cisco network equipment, including Catalyst 9500 series, Catalyst 9300 series, and Nexus series switches, along with associated power supplies, licenses, and accessories. Quantities range from 2 to 56 units across various switch models and components. The evaluation criteria will consider cost of eligible products (35%), integration with existing network architecture and management (30%), in-state/local vendor status (20%), past performance with the district (10%), and SPI invoicing/FCC Form 474 compliance (5%). Key deadlines include a mandatory vendor inquiry deadline of January 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM (CST), a vendor conference on January 29, 2020 at 1:00 PM, and proposal submissions due February 28, 2020 at 2:00 PM (CST). The district anticipates a recommendation on March 10, 2020, Board approval on March 23, 2020, and notification of intent to award by March 24, 2020.

The RFP includes provisions for diverse-owned businesses certified by the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program or participating in the Wisconsin Diversity Procurement Network, which may receive a 5% preference. Vendors must provide a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and be prepared to submit FCC Form 474 to USAC for reimbursement of the district's discount portion. The procurement is designated as an E-Rate Category 2 funding solicitation for the 2020-21 funding cycle, with all equipment to be ordered between June 15 and July 15, 2020, and receipt and invoicing required after July 1, 2020. The district currently uses Cisco hardware and Cisco software to manage wired and wireless WAN/LAN infrastructure, and vendors must ensure compatibility with existing systems. All proposed equipment must comply with WCAG 2.0 and Section 508 accessibility guidelines. The district reserves the right to defer or cancel agreements if E-Rate funding becomes unavailable, and may cancel unfulfilled portions of orders not completed within 60 days of purchase order submission.