High Speed Broadband Services for Interconnecting Simpson County School District Schools (2026 2031)

The contract involves a three-year high-speed broadband services agreement with two optional one-year extensions, spanning from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031, to connect schools within the Simpson County School District in Mississippi. The district seeks proposals to establish a cost-effective, fiber-based Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure, leveraging the E-Rate program to subsidize eligible costs. The scope includes delivering a turnkey solution with fiber installation, network equipment, and ongoing management, ensuring connectivity among multiple district sites, including the district office and various schools. The project emphasizes compliance with federal, state, and local standards, including ANSI/TIA and BICSI standards, and mandates securing all necessary permits and easements. The contractor must provide detailed network design, a disaster recovery plan, 24/7 helpdesk support, and full system warranty, with performance inspections conducted at installation sites. Proposal submissions are due by December 17, 2025, with mandatory site visits scheduled beforehand. Evaluation criteria prioritize price (40%), experience and references (20%), technical quality (20%), and support capabilities (20%). The contract is contingent upon E-Rate approval, and funding is primarily sourced through the federal program, requiring the service provider to hold an active USAC SPIN and SPAC certification throughout the contract duration. The district emphasizes strict adherence to labeling standards, proper documentation, and compliance with applicable codes. Payment will be processed after approval of invoices submitted via the E-Rate SPI method, with the district’s designated address at 111 Education Lane, Mendenhall, MS. The agreement stipulates that the service provider is responsible for all materials, labor, permits, and property restoration, with performance inspections conducted at the district’s designated location. No specific contract type is identified, but the procurement process is structured as an RFP, emphasizing comprehensive technical and cost proposals aligned with federal and state regulations.