2026 PCLS C1 Internet & WAN

The Pierce County Library System (Library) seeks internet and WAN connectivity service at its Administrative Center and its eighteen (18) Library branches. For security purposes, under the current architecture the Library has two distinct physical internet connections for Wi-Fi and hard-wired user populations.
Internet access for hard-wired computers is currently provided via a single ten (10) Gbps fiber connection from the service provider to the Administrative Center and the traffic then travels to the branches via one (1) Gbps fiber WAN connections with a hub and spoke architecture. The fiber WAN connections between the hub and the branches also provide data connections for the branches to the main Library network infrastructure and services. These connections must continue to be robust and reliable, and the circuits must have the same upload and download speeds. A Service Level Agreement (SLA) with 99.99% uptime is required for service to this population.
Internet access for the Wi-Fi user population is currently provided separately by one (1) Gbps direct cable internet connections from the service provider to each branch building. These connections are required to be totally separate from the physical lines for the hub and spoke network serving the hard-wired population to ensure network security. They are not required to have the same upload and download speeds and may or may not have an SLA. The Library will choose the most cost-effective circuit type using current technologies that meet the demands and reliability requirements for this service.
The attached bid format spreadsheet gives details for the existing circuit types and speeds at the branches in the Library. Bidders are not required to bid on service to both the hard-wired and Wi-Fi populations, but preference will be given to vendors that can provide service to the most branches for each population. Since segmentation and separation of the hard-wired and Wi-Fi populations is required for network security, the Library requires that bids include two distinct physical connections with one dedicated to each population.
The anticipated circuit speeds in 2026 are as follows: WAN circuit at the Administration Center: ten (10) Gbps Branch-to-Hub WAN circuits: one (1) Gbps Hub Internet connection for hard-wired population: ten (10) Gbps Internet connections at branches for Wi-Fi population: one (1) Gbps
Over the life of this contract, the potential speed range for both Internet and WAN circuitsserving both wired and wireless populationsmay vary from anticipated speeds in 2026 up to fifty (50) Gbps.
Please refer to the Library Internet and WAN bid format spreadsheet for details on current circuits and requested speed quotes. Bids must include pricing for all speeds listed in the attached bid format. Vendors are encouraged to include additional scalable options if available.
The current Sumner Library is currently located at 1116 Fryar Ave., Sumner, WA 98390, but construction will begin shortly for a new building at 15216 Main Street E, Sumner, WA 98390 that is expected to open in the first half of 2027. In addition, the Interim Lakewood Library is currently located at 10202 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 and could be moved sometime during the service contract with the selected vendor. These changes will be relocations and will not add to the total number of branches in the system. The Library will work with the winning vendor to determine the costs of the various options under consideration. The contracts would be amended to address the associated one-time and ongoing costs of branch relocations.
The Library is also exploring the possibility of adding new kiosk type patron services including library material pickup services and public internet access. The general areas under consideration are Orting, South Prairie, Carbonado and Wilkeson, but no addresses have been determined. Service could be added to these locations via amendment to the contract if the Library proceeds with this program.
The Library will not consider either generic or auto-generated bids and will disqualify bids that are not specifically created in response to this RFP.
For more information and any updates, see RFP that is uploaded to this form and posted on the Library's website at: https://mypcls.org/get-involved/partner-with-us/
Requested services (3 line items): - Category 1 — Data Transmission And/Or Internet Access — Internet Access And Data Transmission Service
State/local procurement requirements: See RFP
Reference documents (Form 470 / RFP): https://publicdata.usac.org/SL/Prd/Form470/352045/260000430/Current/USAC_FCC_FORM_470_APPLICATION_260000430_CERTIFIED.pdf, https://publicdata.usac.org/SL/Prd/Form470/352045/260000430/2026%20PCLS%20Internet%20and%20WAN%20Bid%20Format%20FINAL.xlsx, https://publicdata.usac.org/SL/Prd/Form470/352045/260000430/2026%20PCLS%20Internet%20and%20WAN%20Services%20RFP%20QA%2008.28.2025.docx, https://publicdata.usac.org/SL/Prd/Form470/352045/260000430/2026%20PCLS%20Internet%20and%20WAN%20Services%20RFP%20FINAL.docx