Wide Area Network (WAN) Services Contract

Pender County Schools (PCS) is seeking proposals for a Wide Area Network (WAN) Services Contract (Bid No. 2025-TECH-003) to establish symmetrical leased lit fiber transport services across its district. The procurement targets dedicated network connections for 22 existing school and administrative sites, with provisions for two future sites, focusing on transport services without Internet access. The network will originate from the district's central office and require a resilient design capable of delivering bandwidth options up to 10 Gbps for most sites and 40 Gbps at the central hub location. Evaluation criteria will prioritize cost as the highest-weighted factor, with vendors required to provide detailed pricing inclusive of E-rate eligible and ineligible monthly rates and non-recurring charges. Key technical requirements include maintaining 99.99% network availability, achieving .25% frame/packet loss, and ensuring network latency under 10ms. The contract is structured for either a 3-year or 5-year term with five potential one-year extensions, with service implementation scheduled for July 1, 2026. Proposal submissions are due by October 15, 2025, with vendors expected to provide a comprehensive network design utilizing preferably dedicated private fiber infrastructure.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The RFP requires a single provider to manage all site connections, emphasizing comprehensive service level agreements with rapid trouble response capabilities. While no incumbent vendor is directly mentioned, the document indicates this is a replacement for an existing WAN service expiring on June 30, 2026. The network must provide robust resiliency, ensuring that a single fiber cut or site failure will not disrupt the entire WAN. Though specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documents, the complexity of connecting 22 sites with potential 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps bandwidth options suggests a significant technology investment. Vendors must be prepared to meet stringent technical specifications, including network design, scalability, and performance commitments. The procurement follows E-rate program guidelines, which may influence pricing and service delivery structures.