Rfpfw kent ISD FY27

Kent Independent School District is requesting proposals for network electronics firewall equipment and related services across eleven school buildings in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with Intent to Bid forms and sealed bids due October 27, 2026. This procurement is contingent upon the District receiving E-Rate Universal Service Fund (USF) discounts from the Federal Communications Commission, a decision-flipping eligibility filter that restricts the scope and awardee economics.

The scope encompasses firewall hardware (Fortinet, Cisco, or Juniper equivalent), 100G QSFP28 passive direct attach copper cables in varying lengths, installation labor, basic project management, design and engineering, initial configuration, basic training, and three-year warranty coverage. The District may award separate portions to different vendors and reserves the right to reduce quantities based on E-Rate funding levels.

Vendors must comply with Michigan prevailing wage requirements under Public Act 10 of 2023 where applicable; prevailing wage rates for Kent County classifications range from $36.87 to $110.76 per hour depending on trade and tenure. A five percent bid bond is required if the base bid exceeds $31,321.

Bidders must submit Intent to Bid forms, sealed bids in duplicate and electronic format via the Triple R Consultants portal, a Bid Signature Page, completed Bill of Materials (Appendix C), Familial Disclosure Affidavit, Iran Linked Business Affidavit, and a minimum of four references (one from a school or school district). No generic or miscellaneous line items are permitted in the Bill of Materials. Successful vendors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including workers compensation and commercial general liability with minimum $1 million occurrence limits, naming Kent ISD as an additional insured.

Contract execution is anticipated by December 3, 2026, with installation beginning July 1, 2027, and completion by September 30, 2027. The contract term runs July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.