Strategic Distributed Antenna System Partnership

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is soliciting proposals under RFP 351512703 for a strategic partner to operate, manage, commercialize, maintain, and monetize its existing neutral-host Distributed Antenna System, with an optional pre-proposal conference on November 3, 2026 and proposals due December 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST. The RFP imposes no set-aside or eligibility restriction. It encourages Small, Women-owned, and Minority (SWaM) business participation through subcontracting, scored as 10 of 100 points.

The selected partner assumes operational responsibility, including network monitoring, preventive and corrective maintenance, asset lifecycle management, carrier coordination, and RF propagation optimization under service-level agreements. Virginia Tech retains ownership of all DAS assets and ultimate authority over governance, equipment, and carrier participation. Modernization must replace aging equipment and support 5G, 6G, 7G, C-Band, and CBRS, with Lane Stadium capacity completed by July 23, 2027 and enhanced fan connectivity operational for the Fall 2027 athletic season. The system currently serves Lane Stadium, Miles Hall, Ambler Johnston Hall, Cochrane Hall, Harper Hall, New Hall West, and Pritchard Hall.

Offerors must submit a 20-year financial model with NPV calculations and sensitivity analyses, covering upfront payments, annual guaranteed payments, minimum revenue guarantees, revenue-sharing percentages, and capital investment commitments. They must also provide upgrade timelines at one, three, and five years and a minimum 10-year modernization plan. Required insurance includes Workers' Compensation, Employers Liability ($100,000), General Liability ($2,000,000 combined single limit), and Automobile Liability ($500,000), with Virginia Tech named as additional insured.

The contract term is ten years or as negotiated, with potential renewal options. Virginia Tech may cancel on 60 days' written notice after the initial 12-month period. Proposals are scored on a 100-point scale: quality of products and services (25 points), offeror qualifications and experience (20), specific plans and methodology (25), cost and financial incentives (20), and SWaM business participation (10). Written inquiries are due November 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST, and submissions go through the Virginia Tech procurement portal at https://bids.sciquest.com/.