24-RQ220144-NM E-RATE CATEGORY TWO RFP LITE PROJECT

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is issuing a statewide “RFP Lite” to establish one or more convenience contracts for E‑Rate Category Two internal‑connections equipment, installation, maintenance, and managed broadband services. Qualified vendors will be eligible to supply wireless access points, switches, routers, firewalls, UPS, structured cabling, related software licenses, and associated professional services to any public school unit (PSU) or public library in the state that participates in the E‑Rate program. The contract is indefinite‑quantity; individual school or library “mini‑bids” will define quantities and specific scopes. Vendors must provide publicly‑available MSRP discounts, comply with FCC E‑Rate rules, and be able to support North Carolina sites. • Eligible products/services: wireless APs, network switches/routers, firewalls, UPS, cabling, software licenses, installation, activation, configuration, managed internal broadband, maintenance, technical support. • Target customers: North Carolina public school districts, charter schools, and eligible public libraries participating in the E‑Rate program. • Contract type: Statewide convenience contract (indefinite‑quantity) with a best‑value source‑selection process. • Submission deadline: 6 Nov 2026 10:00 AM ET (electronic via Ariba). • Question deadline: 16 Oct 2026 10:00 AM ET. • Required vendor qualifications: SPIN number, FCC registration, ability to provide on‑site service in NC, compliance with security and accessibility standards, no debarment, and adherence to USAC/E‑Rate filing procedures. • Evaluation criteria: total cost of ownership (discounted E‑Rate pricing), technical compliance, vendor location, past performance/references. • Contract term: Not explicitly stated; contracts will remain in effect for the duration of the E‑Rate funding year(s) as needed, with renewals possible.