RFPLF

Coldwater Community Schools in Barry County, Michigan, is seeking a Request for Proposals (RFP) for E-Rate funded telecommunications services for fiscal year 2025-2026. The specific procurement involves leased 1Gbps lit fiber service connecting Coldwater High School (275 N. Fremont Street) and the Administration Building (401 Sauk River Drive). Sealed bids must be submitted by 2:00 PM on February 27, 2025, with both paper and electronic copies required through the Triple R bidder portal. Bidders must include their Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and provide pricing that reflects the Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP) as defined by E-Rate regulations. The contract term will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and is contingent upon the district receiving Universal Service Fund (USF) E-Rate discounts. Proposals must clearly separate E-Rate eligible products and services from ineligible items, and no invoices can be dated or paid before July 1, 2025.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The district reserves the right to determine the discount processing method, either through Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) or Service Provider Invoice (SPI). While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the document, the procurement is for a single fiber connection between two district buildings. Potential bidders must be telecommunications service providers capable of delivering 1Gbps lit fiber service and understanding E-Rate program requirements. The contract appears to be a direct telecommunications service procurement with no mention of incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requiring integration. Interested service providers must be prepared to comply with all E-Rate program guidelines and submit comprehensive proposals that meet the district's technical and administrative requirements.