Wide Area Network (WAN)

This Request for Proposals is issued by Standish-Sterling Community Schools in Standish, Michigan, seeking competitive bids for a Wide Area Network (WAN) solution to connect three school facilities: Standish-Sterling Central High School, Sunrise Community Resource Center, and Standish-Sterling Central Elementary. The District requires a 12-strand high-speed fiber optic network with a minimum connection speed of 10Gbps, and bidders may propose Self-Provisioned Fiber (SPF), Leased Lit Fiber, Leased Dark Fiber, or other third-party network solutions that are technology-neutral and cost-competitive. All pricing must reflect the Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP) as defined by Universal Service Fund (USF) regulations and be E-Rate compliant for FY2026 funding. Required qualifications include proof of state project registration, prevailing wage rate schedules in compliance with Michigan Public Act 10 of 2023, at least four references with one from a school or school district, adequate insurance coverage (Workers Compensation, Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 occurrence, and Automobile Liability of $1,000,000), notarized Familial Disclosure Affidavits, and Iran Linked Business Affidavits. SPF solutions require a 5% bid bond with sealed proposals and a 100% performance and labor/material payment bond upon award, along with a 3-year warranty on installation and 7-year system warranty, while Lit and Dark Fiber solutions require 1-year warranties. Key deadlines include an Intent to Bid Form due by February 18, 2026, a mandatory facilities walkthrough at 2:00 PM on the same date, sealed bids due by 2:00 PM on March 13, 2026, Board approval expected April 13, 2026, and installation required to begin by July 1, 2026, with completion by September 30, 2026; the contract term covers FY2026 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027) for leased services.

The procurement contains no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types based on the available documentation. The RFP is entirely conditional upon the District receiving a Funding Commitment Decision Letter from USAC/SLD confirming E-Rate funding approval, with the District reserving the right to reduce services or cancel the project if funding is reduced or denied. Sales tax should not be included in bids as the District is exempt from federal excise and state sales taxes. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure requiring integration are identified in the available documentation. Specific budget ranges or award values are not stated in the RFP materials provided, though all proposals must be cost-competitive and reflect appropriate pricing for the technology solutions proposed.