Lowell Area Schools - Request for Proposal for E-Rate Category 1 and 2 Network Equipment and Services - 270001297 (2027)
Lowell Area SchoolsSchool · Lowell, MI- Due
- Oct 28, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
- Primary contact
- Jason Wasciuk
- (616) 987-2892
The 30-second brief
Lowell Area Schools is requesting proposals for E-Rate FY2027 funding year services including Category 1 Internet access and network equipment, and Category 2 internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance. Required items include a minimum 1GB Internet connection for 9 buildings, core switches (Ruckus ICX7850-48F-E2, ICX7850-PREM-LIC, LE9-7850-SGX3, E100G-QSFP-QSFP-P-0101 or equivalent), switches and associated parts (Ruckus ICX8200-48ZP2-E, ICX8200-24ZP, E1MG-TX or equivalent), and UPS backup power units. Bids must be submitted by email clearly marked "E-rate bid" by October 28, 2026. Evaluation factors include prices/charges, prior experience, understanding of needs, personnel qualifications, completeness of response, and capability to complete installation within the required timeframe.
Minimum of 1GB Internet connection for 9 buildings; Core switches and associated parts (Approximately 3 ICX7850-48F-E2, 3 ICX7850-PREM-LIC, 3 LE9-7850-SGX3, 2 E100G-QSFP-QSFP-P-0101, Maintenance, Installation and configuration); Switches and associated parts (Approximately 50 Ruckus ICX8200-48ZP2-E, 50 L09-0001-SGCX, 4 Ruckus ICX8200-24ZP, 5 E1MG-TX, 50 228223, 51 70383, 27 343907, Maintenance, Installation and configuration); UPS (Approximately 1 N1C.L1500, Maintenance, Installation and configuration)
Prices/charges, Prior experience, Understanding of needs, Personnel qualifications, Completeness of response and adherence to bid specifications, Capability of the bidder to successfully complete the installation/service within the required timeframe
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Summary
Lowell Area Schools is requesting proposals for E-Rate FY2027 funding year services including Category 1 Internet access and network equipment, and Category 2 internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance.
Required items include a minimum 1GB Internet connection for 9 buildings, core switches (Ruckus ICX7850-48F-E2, ICX7850-PREM-LIC, LE9-7850-SGX3, E100G-QSFP-QSFP-P-0101 or equivalent), switches and associated parts (Ruckus ICX8200-48ZP2-E, ICX8200-24ZP, E1MG-TX or equivalent), and UPS backup power units. Bids must be submitted by email clearly marked "E-rate bid" by October 28, 2026. Evaluation factors include prices/charges, prior experience, understanding of needs, personnel qualifications, completeness of response, and capability to complete installation within the required timeframe.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Prices/charges, Prior experience, Understanding of needs, Personnel qualifications, Completeness of response and adherence to bid specifications, Capability of the bidder to successfully complete the installation/service within the required timeframe
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
Minimum of 1GB Internet connection for 9 buildings; Core switches and associated parts (Approximately 3 ICX7850-48F-E2, 3 ICX7850-PREM-LIC, 3 LE9-7850-SGX3, 2 E100G-QSFP-QSFP-P-0101, Maintenance, Installation and configuration); Switches and associated parts (Approximately 50 Ruckus ICX8200-48ZP2-E, 50 L09-0001-SGCX, 4 Ruckus ICX8200-24ZP, 5 E1MG-TX, 50 228223, 51 70383, 27 343907, Maintenance, Installation and configuration); UPS (Approximately 1 N1C.L1500, Maintenance, Installation and configuration)
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
4- Proof of worker's comp
- Proof of $2 million liability insurance umbrella
- Line itemization of all components
- 2027 Service Provider Annual Certification Form 473
- Submit to
- [email protected] and [email protected]
- Scope location
- Lowell, MI
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Lowell Area Schools?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 28, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected] and [email protected]. For questions, contact Jason Wasciuk.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Lowell Area Schools in MI, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Jason Wasciuk at (616) 987-2892. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Minimum of 1GB Internet connection for 9 buildings; Core switches and associated parts (Approximately 3 ICX7850-48F-E2, 3 ICX7850-PREM-LIC, 3 LE9-7850-SGX3, 2 E100G-QSFP-QSFP-P-0101, Maintenance, Installation and configuration); Switches and associated parts (Approximately 50 Ruckus ICX8200-48ZP2-E,. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Prices/charges, Prior experience, Understanding of needs, Personnel qualifications, Completeness of response and adherence to bid specifications, Capability of the bidder to successfully complete the..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Lowell Area Schools?
All active and historical solicitations from Lowell Area Schools are tracked and searchable. As a school agency, Lowell Area Schools regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Proof of worker's comp, Proof of $2 million liability insurance umbrella, Line itemization of all components, 2027 Service Provider Annual Certification Form 473. Review the full document from Lowell Area Schools for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Lowell, MI. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.