Hyperconverged Infrastructure Replacement

The solicitation for the Hyperconverged Infrastructure Replacement by the Pickens County School District in South Carolina seeks a comprehensive, turnkey solution to modernize aging hardware with a scalable hyperconverged infrastructure capable of supporting current operations and projected growth over a five-year period, with potential for two additional one-year renewals. Proposals must detail a technically sound approach that includes hardware, software, migration services, ongoing support, and maintenance, ensuring enhanced resiliency, security, manageability, and performance while minimizing disruption. The contract is F.O.B. Destination, with all delivery, installation, and removal of packaging materials the vendor’s responsibility, and payment terms require acceptance of the District’s Procurement Card and preferential use of Virtual Card via EFS or SPS, with no checks or federal invoicing systems accepted. Contractors must comply with strict student safety protocols prohibiting any interaction with students and are barred from employing individuals with certain criminal backgrounds. All proposed solutions must be fully compliant with state and local laws, and vendors must submit insurance documentation including workers’ compensation and general liability coverage with 15-day cancellation notice, as well as valid state and local business licenses and permits. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted using a trade-off methodology across four weighted factors: Price (35 points), Technical Fit & Experience (25 points), Meeting District Needs (20 points), and Reputation of Goods/Services (20 points), with scores calculated using adjectival ratings ranging from 0% to 100%. The award will not be based solely on the lowest price but on overall advantage to the District. Proposals must be submitted in two sealed envelopes—Technical and Cost—plus a USB drive with an electronic copy, adhering to specific content requirements including at least three references detailed in Attachment A and a signed Signature Page with minority vendor certification if applicable. Vendors must disclose any subcontractors performing over 10% of the work, acknowledge the non-appropriation clause that allows contract cancellation if future funding is unavailable, and comply with ethics certification under South Carolina law. No oral agreements are binding, and publicity or branding use of the District’s name is prohibited without written authorization. All submissions are due by May 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST, with questions due by May 7, 2026, and updates posted on the District’s official solicitation portal.