Request for Storage and Archive Solution

Midland Public Schools in Michigan is seeking a comprehensive Storage and Archive Solution through Bid Package 18-100, a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued for Macomb County. The procurement encompasses three distinct bid categories: Storage Area Server, Network, and Backup/Archiving solutions, targeting the replacement of existing storage area network infrastructure. Specific deliverables include two 30TB minimum capacity SANs using RAID 10 (one for production and one for disaster recovery), one 15TB minimum capacity SAN, network switches and cards, and a backup/archiving solution capable of handling approximately 9TB of protected data across 30 servers. Bidders may submit proposals for one or multiple categories but must bid the entire scope within each category. The proposal evaluation will consider factors beyond cost, including product availability, manufacturer reputation, service history, financial condition, and technical capabilities. Critical dates include the proposal submission deadline of May 15, 2018, at 11:00 AM local time, with equipment expected to be delivered by July 13, 2018.

The RFP requires a 5% bid security and mandates performance and payment bonds for installation options exceeding $50,000. Bidders must comply with prevailing wage requirements per Michigan Public Act 166. While the document does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it requires detailed submissions including mandatory requirements, preferred features, and optional components. Alternates are required for items such as cold spare packages, failover capabilities, optics, and cloud storage. Although specific budget ranges are not definitively stated, the comprehensive nature of the procurement suggests a significant technology investment. Prospective vendors must demonstrate technical proficiency, financial stability, and the capability to provide a robust, scalable storage and archival infrastructure that meets Midland Public Schools' complex technological needs.