E-Rate Category 2 – Network Equipment, Wireless Access Points, and Software Licensing

The Putnam County School District (PCSD) serves a diverse K–12 student population across multiple campuses that depend on robust, secure, and scalable network infrastructure for instruction, assessment, safety, and daily operations. As the use of instructional technology grows—including one-to-one devices, cloud-based applications, digital testing platforms, and high-density wireless environments—the District's network must consistently deliver reliable performance and capacity in both existing and new schools. PCSD has standardized its wired and wireless networks to promote consistency, simplify management, and ensure long-term sustainability. Maintaining this standard while addressing evolving technology needs, supply-chain constraints, and E-Rate funding requirements remains challenging. The District must balance performance, cost efficiency, and compliance with FCC and USAC rules, while remaining flexible to adapt to changing site needs, enrollment shifts, and future growth during the E-Rate funding cycle. A successful outcome for this project will provide PCSD with a reliable contracting solution that ensures timely access to compliant, high-quality network equipment and licensing at competitive prices. Vendors will be expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of K–12 environments, E-Rate Category 2 requirements, and Cisco Meraki–based solutions, while offering transparent pricing, dependable lead times, and robust manufacturer support. This partnership will directly support the District's mission by ensuring students and staff have reliable connectivity to the digital tools essential for teaching, learning, and safe school operations.