NHRCES - 2026 - Cat 2A - 470

DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS AND BIDS TO THE TECHNICAL CONTACT NOT THE MAIN CONTACT.
NHRCES is seeking bids for Category 2 internal network infrastructure upgrades across three NHRCES school sites (Blessed Trinity Academy, Holy Cross Academy, and Butler Catholic School). The objective is to modernize wired and wireless networks to provide consistent, secure, and reliable broadband access throughout instructional and administrative spaces. Existing infrastructure varies in age and capacity across campuses, resulting in inconsistent coverage and limited scalability. These upgrades will support expanded classroom technology use, cloud-based instructional tools, online testing, and centralized network management while allowing for future growth throughout the 20262030 Category 2 budget cycle. Vendor Walkthrough: NHRCES will allow vendors to conduct walkthroughs during the week of February 23, 2026, to review building layouts, MDF/IDF locations, and overall project scope. Bid deadline: March 13, 2026. This will allow us the necessary time to conduct our bid evaluations before the application filing deadline on 04/01/2026.
We are requesting proposals for: 100 (more or less) Wireless Access Points, Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi e capable, ceiling mounted, no manufacturer preference, with all necessary licensing and hardware/software, with basic maintenance and installation. 18 (more or less) Switches, layer 2 or layer 3 PoE+ minimum to support access points, mix of 24-port and 48-port models, no manufacturer preference, with all necessary licensing and hardware/software, with basic maintenance and installation. 40,000 feet (more or less) Structured Cabling, Cat 6 or better, includes classroom and AP drops, patch panels, labeling, testing, no manufacturer preference, with basic maintenance and installation and configuration. 10 (more or less) Network Racks and Enclosures, as needed per building, includes racks and cabinets, cable management and PDUs (non UPS), no manufacturer preference, with basic maintenance and installation. 1 (more or less) Wireless Controller/Network Management, on premise or cloud managed centralized monitoring, configuration, reporting and security management, MIBS services may be included, no manufacturer preference, with all necessary licensing and hardware/software, with basic maintenance and installation. Basic Maintenance for eligible switches, access points and cabling should include maintenance and support, firmware updates, monitoring, and troubleshooting for all NHRCES schools. Managed Services for requested equipment. Our school is also seeking proposals for all associated costs, miscellaneous parts, and fees needed to purchase, install, configure, and use the equipment.
School will hold the bidding process open for at least the required 28 days. School is allowed to decide at any time after the allowable contract date. Bidders submitting bids after the allowable contract date accept the risk that their bid might be too late to be considered. Therefore, bidders are encouraged to submit their bids prior to the allowable contract date.
We want to improve our capabilities to provide fast internet access for our students and staff. We are interested in a cost-efficient solution that will provide fast response to many students seeking information at the same time. We will consider different alternatives to accomplish our goal. New equipment must be able to work with our existing equipment.
Requested services (22 line items): - Category 2 — Internal Connections — Wireless Controllers And Necessary Software And Licenses - Category 2 — Basic Maintenance Of Internal Connections — Wireless Access Points - Category 2 — Basic Maintenance Of Internal Connections — Wireless Controllers - Category 2 — Internal Connections — Racks - Category 2 — Internal Connections — Wireless Access Points And Necessary Software And Licenses - Category 2 — Internal Connections — Switches And Necessary Software And Licenses - Category 2 — Managed Internal Broadband Services — Existing Equipment - Category 2 — Internal Connections — Cabling - Category 2 — Basic Maintenance Of Internal Connections — Racks - Category 2 — Basic Maintenance Of Internal Connections — Cabling - Category 2 — Basic Maintenance Of Internal Connections — Switches
State/local procurement requirements: DO NOT CONTACT THE MAIN CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS 470. DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS AND BIDS TO THE TECHNICAL CONTACT IDENTIFIED ABOVE. Initial contact should be via email only. The email subject line should reference the School Name and 470 number. All responses should reference the services on which you are bidding. Proposals should come from a vendor with a SPIN number and include verification that their form 473 (SPAC) is current and up to date. All bids should contain your SPIN, Company Name, and Contact Information. SPAM, Generic and telecom broker inquires will not be considered legitimate inquires or proposals. All proposals/quotes of bidders should separate the eligible and ineligible E-Rate products and services and their associated costs. Vendors are expected to provide Lowest Corresponding Price. ***Proposals will be accepted by a vendor without a SPIN if you are willing to obtain one. Please contact the Client Service Bureau (CSB) at +1 (555) 000-0000 or visit the website: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/before-you-begin/
Reference documents (Form 470 / RFP): https://publicdata.usac.org/EPC/Prd/Form470/260016098/17036515/21321062-USAC_FCC_FORM_470_APPLICATION_260016098_CERTIFIED.pdf, https://publicdata.usac.org/EPC/Prd/Form470/260016098/17036515/21321047-Vendor%20Questions%20with%20Answers%20after%20Walk%20throughs%20FY2026%20%202.pdf, https://publicdata.usac.org/EPC/Prd/Form470/260016098/17036515/21295372-Vendor%20Questions%20with%20Answers%20after%20Walk%20throughs%20FY2026.pdf