Untitled opportunity

East Liverpool City Schools seeks proposals for a district-wide network switching and infrastructure refresh across five school buildings and eligible instructional areas. The project includes replacement and upgrades of access, distribution, core, and aggregation switches, including switches located outside network closets in offices, classrooms, computer labs, and other eligible areas. The project also includes necessary software and licensing, fiber optics, SFP/SFP+ modules, DAC cables, stacking components, patch panels, network racks/cabinets, cable management, installation, configuration, and testing. The district has approximately 14 network closets (MDF/IDF locations). Existing patch panels are experiencing connector failures and require replacement. Vendors shall assess all network closets and identify damaged patch panels, required retermination, labeling, testing, and necessary rack or cabinet replacements. Replacement of existing in-wall cabling is not requested. Estimated maximum quantities: - 75 network switches, including access, core, aggregation, and smaller switches in offices, labs, and other eligible locations. - 30 network racks or cabinets. - 400 connectors, patch panels, and related network components. Quantities are planning estimates, not required purchase amounts. Vendors shall inspect existing infrastructure and propose appropriately sized solutions. Proposed switching equipment must support district network requirements, including appropriate PoE capacity, VLANs, routing, uplink connectivity, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Proposals must identify equipment models, quantities, unit pricing, installation costs, required licensing, renewal costs, and any ineligible charges. Equivalent manufacturers and solutions will be considered. All equipment necessary for a complete, functional installation must be included. MANDATORY SITE VISIT: Vendors must schedule an individual site walk-through by emailing ccardelein@elcsd.k12.oh.us. Appointments will be scheduled during normal business hours, subject to district availability, and must be completed by December 2, 2026. Vendors shall assess the applicable network closets and other installation locations. The district will provide reasonable opportunities to schedule visits. Failure to complete the mandatory walk-through will result in disqualification. BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: All questions must be submitted in writing by November 30, 2026. Written answers and material clarifications will be made available equally to prospective bidders through EPC. Proposals must be emailed to ccardelein@elcsd.k12.oh.us by December 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Late proposals will be disqualified. Vendor selection and contract award will not occur before the applicable Allowable Contract Date and stated bid deadline. Bids will be evaluated using a weighted matrix, with the price of eligible products and services as the most heavily weighted factor. The district reserves the right to award all, part, or none of the requested services and to make separate awards where appropriate. DISQUALIFYING FACTORS: 1. Failure to complete the mandatory site walk-through by December 2, 2026. 2. Failure to submit a complete proposal with equipment descriptions, quantities, and itemized pricing by the stated deadline. 3. Proposed equipment must be new, compatible with existing district network infrastructure, and include applicable manufacturer warranties. Equivalent equipment must include sufficient documentation demonstrating equivalency. 4. Bidders must provide their E-Rate SPIN or documentation that an application for one has been submitted. 5. Contractors performing patch-panel retermination or related cabling work must provide evidence of appropriate insurance and any legally required bonding. 6. Proposals must separately identify equipment, installation costs, required licensing, and any E-Rate-ineligible products or services. 7. Service Provider Invoicing (SPI) is mandatory. The awarded vendor must agree in writing to provide discounted billing and submit FCC Form 474 directly to USAC for the eligible funded portion. The district will pay only its non-discounted share and any applicable ineligible costs. Vendors unwilling to provide SPI billing will be disqualified. BEAR reimbursement billing will not be accepted. Proposals must include all necessary components and services for the proposed switching infrastructure to operate as described. The district is not obligated to purchase the maximum estimated quantities.