RFP 2025-04 - E-Rate Services: Internet Access, Wide Area Networking, Equipment and Services

The Jackson County Library District (JCLD) in Medford, Oregon, has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #2025-04 seeking E-Rate eligible services and equipment for its 15 branch library locations. The procurement focuses on four primary solutions: Wide Area Network (WAN) services, Internet Access with managed firewall services, LAN Switch Refresh, and Managed Internal Broadband Service (MIBS). The WAN solution requires Point-to-Point Fiber services with minimum speeds ranging from 5 GB for remote branches to 10 GB for the Medford location, with optional upgrades to 10-20 GB or 20-40 GB. Internet Access must provide a minimum of 10 GB at Medford, with options for 20 GB or 40 GB. The LAN Switch Refresh involves replacing 28 existing switches across all locations and adding one additional switch at Eagle Point. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, with points allocated as follows: cost of E-Rate eligible goods and services (30 points), prior experience (25 points), management capability (20 points), personnel qualifications (10 points), ineligible cost factors (10 points), and local vendor status (5 points). The RFP was issued on November 3, 2025, with proposals due by December 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM PST, and the evaluation period running from December 15, 2025, through January 6, 2026.

Proposers must demonstrate at least three years of experience providing these types of services and maintain adequate administrative and fiscal capabilities. The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations, but does require compliance with non-discrimination provisions for minorities, women, emerging small business enterprises, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. Vendors must provide either end-to-end WAN connectivity without third-party involvement or switch equipment and installation without multiple sub-contractors. All pricing must include pre-discount costs with E-Rate eligibility percentages clearly identified, and vendors must submit their permanent SLD Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN). The contract anticipates an initial three-year term commencing July 1, 2026, with optional one-year extensions for up to two additional years. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the request—covering WAN, Internet Access, switch replacement, and managed services across 15 locations—suggests a significant investment in network infrastructure and technology services for the library district.