Transport Circuits for Collaborative Members RFP

The EUPConnect Collaborative has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) #250012640 for dedicated, symmetrical data transmission services to connect 32 locations throughout Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula to the Michigan Statewide Educational Network (MiSEN). The procurement seeks E-Rate eligible transport circuit modes including third-party network services (SPOTPN), leased lit fiber, leased dark fiber/IRU, and self-provisioned fiber. Vendors must provide pricing for bandwidth options of 1Gbps, 10Gbps, and 25Gbps across multiple contract terms, including 36-month and 60-month periods with extension options. Proposal evaluation will be weighted across three primary criteria: E-rate eligible costs (45%, with pricing specifically weighted at 25%), proposal merit (40%), and miscellaneous factors (15%). Key procurement dates include vendor questions due by January 31, 2025, answers posted February 4, 2025, and proposals due on March 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST, with project completion expected by June 30, 2026. Bidders must commit to serving all listed locations, including challenging sites on Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island, and Drummond Island, with no exceptions for excluding island connections.

The procurement is specifically designed for E-Rate eligible Category 1 services and will require Universal Service Administrative Company approval for funding. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP covers educational institutions including K-12 schools, administrative facilities, and Lake Superior State University across multiple jurisdictions including Chippewa County. The project involves connecting to the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) Learning Center in Kincheloe, MI, which will serve as a central hub. Special construction costs must be separately identified from non-recurring charges, and vendors are encouraged to partner with entities owning existing infrastructure to ensure comprehensive coverage. Though a specific total contract value is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the project spanning 32 locations suggests a significant investment. Proposals must include detailed pricing for multiple service options, including leased dark fiber, leased lit fiber, third-party network services, and self-provisioned solutions, with provisions for network hardware and maintenance.