Wireless / Cellular Telecommunication Services

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is seeking qualified facilities-based mobile network operators to provide comprehensive voice, data, and messaging services across all state locations under solicitation TRS000648. This RFP requires responders to have owned FCC-licensed spectrum, control of their own radio access network, and native network coverage reaching at least 95% of the U.S. population, explicitly excluding resellers and MVNOs. Services must support 510 smartphones, 135 tablets, 55 hotspots, and 21 Open Gear devices, ensuring reliable, secure, and uninterrupted connectivity for administrative offices, remote workers, and field personnel statewide. Proposals must include fully loaded, firm fixed pricing with no escalations allowed during optional renewal periods, and must account for all taxes, fees, and surcharges without reimbursement for indirect costs or travel unless explicitly approved. The contract includes three one-year optional renewal terms and mandates strict adherence to pricing transparency, benchmarking, and annual adjustment caps tied to the Consumer Price Index. Evaluation of proposals will prioritize proposed pricing at 60%, followed by proposed performance methodology at 30%, and key personnel qualifications at 10%, with award based on best overall value rather than lowest price technically acceptable. Subcontracting is heavily restricted; prior written approval from TRS is mandatory, and subcontracting plans involving VetHUBs or non-VetHUBs must be submitted with supporting documentation including outreach to veteran trade organizations and certified CMBL profiles. Offerors must disclose all potential conflicts of interest and submit Form 1295 (Certification of Interested Parties) upon award. All proposals must be submitted exclusively through the PAVES system by the deadline of May 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, using only .docx, .pdf, or .xlsx formats. No physical packaging, labeling, barcoding, or military standards apply as this is a service contract. The contract administration will be handled through PAVES, and no federal accounting codes or traditional FAR clauses are referenced, reflecting state-specific procurement procedures. All communication regarding the solicitation must go through Max Hernandez, with legal notices directed to LegalNotices@trs.texas.gov.