Schools and Libraries Program (E-Rate) Consultant

The South Dakota Department of Education's Division of Finance and Management is seeking a qualified E-rate consulting services vendor through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on January 26, 2024, with proposals due by February 23, 2024. The selected consultant will provide comprehensive E-rate program support, including conducting training workshops/webinars, assisting South Dakota applicants, creating and submitting state applications and forms, analyzing state data, and serving as a liaison between the State, applicants, the FCC, and USAC. The contract will commence on September 1, 2024, and run for five years, ending on August 31, 2029. Evaluation criteria will include cost, experience, resources, past performance, and project management approach. Potential consultants must submit a detailed budget and cost proposal, along with supporting documentation demonstrating their qualifications and experience. Inquiries regarding the RFP must be emailed to Rochelle Kenzy at Rochelle.Kenzy@state.sd.us, with no inquiries accepted after a specified deadline. The State reserves the right to negotiate final contract terms with the selected consultant.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the provided documents, the RFP includes several compliance requirements. Contractors must complete a Substitute W-9 form and comply with Executive Order 2023-02, which prohibits contracting with entities ultimately owned or controlled by foreign nationals from certain countries. The consultant must also adhere to confidentiality provisions, protecting proprietary information and personally identifiable student information in accordance with FERPA and other state and federal laws. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive scope of services suggests a substantial contract value commensurate with the five-year term and extensive E-rate consulting responsibilities. The RFP indicates that the contract will be awarded to a single qualified vendor capable of meeting the State's E-rate program support needs, with the State maintaining flexibility in final contract negotiations.