Telecommunications Services

The St. Bernard Parish School Board is seeking a comprehensive telecommunications services contract through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a wide area network (WAN) serving educational facilities. The procurement solicits high-speed voice and data communication services, with a specific focus on fiber-optic or equivalent technologies to enhance instructional opportunities. Vendors must provide local and long-distance telephone service, interconnection among school facilities, internet access, and comprehensive WAN system maintenance. Proposals are due on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with an initial contract term of thirty-six months starting July 1, 2026, and potential extensions for two additional twelve-month periods. The evaluation process will utilize a 100-point scoring system, with points allocated as follows: experience and capability (25 points), overall RFP response (25 points), cost (30 points), network connectivity (10 points), and single point of accountability (10 points). Only vendors with valid USAC SPIN numbers will be considered, and proposals must include detailed cost breakdowns for voice services, site-to-site communication, and internet access at varying bandwidth levels.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Proposals must address e-rate eligible and ineligible items according to the Schools and Libraries' Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2026, with all purchases subject to fund availability and approval of the district's Priority-One e-rate funding application. The successful proposer must provide a comprehensive solution compatible with existing district infrastructure, though specific details about current technology are not extensively outlined in the documentation. Vendors are required to submit proposals that demonstrate compatibility with the school board's existing systems and provide a turnkey solution for telecommunications services. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the RFP suggests that the total contract value will depend on the proposed solutions and will be evaluated based on cost-effectiveness and technical capabilities. Interested vendors can obtain RFP packages by contacting Laura Carlin Dorcey at the St. Bernard Parish School Board, with all questions to be submitted by November 26, 2025.