E-Rate Category 1 Broadband (FY26-FY31)

The State of Tennessee Department of Education is seeking qualified broadband service providers to deliver Category 1 E‑Rate internet and transport services to all K‑12 schools, public charter schools, and state‑special schools throughout Tennessee for fiscal years 2026‑2031. The contract will cover mandatory broadband connectivity (1.5 Mbps to 100 Gbps), optional construction, DNS/DHCP, VPN, and basic firewall services, with strict uptime and reporting requirements, and will be priced via a catalog‑pricing spreadsheet that serves as a ceiling for subsequent LEA mini‑bids. Vendors must demonstrate market knowledge of Tennessee K‑12 connectivity, provide at least three references, maintain FCC “green‑light” status, and meet extensive federal, state, and privacy compliance obligations. • Provide high‑speed internet and transport services (1.5 Mbps‑100 Gbps) with 99.9 % uptime during school hours and 98.7 % otherwise. • Submit a detailed catalog‑pricing Excel file (Attachment D) that becomes the ceiling price for all LEA mini‑bids. • Must satisfy technical scoring (≥ 75 pts) and meet mandatory requirements (FCC status, insurance, background checks, FERPA/HIPAA compliance, etc.). • Contract term is five years (FY 26‑FY 31) with potential annual or multi‑year mini‑bids by individual LEAs. • Award process includes technical evaluation, cost‑proposal opening, protest period, and contract signature by early February 2026.