CRETC E-Rate RFP
The Colorado River Educational Technology Consortium is seeking proposals for FY2022 (School Year 2022-23) E-Rate Internet Access.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please direct any questions to James McNutt via email (email address is in the RFP). The RFP Deadline is February 8th 2022 at 2:00 PM MST (AZ) Time. The deadline for questions is February 1st, 2022. All questions, answers, and updates will be posted on this page. Interested vendors are encouraged to check this page after February 1st.
Q and A for the CRETC Internet Access RFP will appear here
Q: In regards to the public opening, will there be an option to view remotely?
A: Those who wish to view the public opening on February 8th at 20:10PM AZ Time may tune into the BCSD Board Youtube Channel. The live stream will be hosted on Youtube using the following link:
https://youtu.be/DNxd0fGH-Oc
During the public opening, we will only be opening proposals and reading the name of the vendor. No pricing information or award information will be disclosed during the public opening.
BCSD E-Rate RFP
The Bullhead City School District is seeking proposals for FY2022 (School Year 2022-23) E-Rate Telecommunications and Internal Connections.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please direct any questions to James McNutt via email (email address is in the RFP). The RFP Deadline is February 8th 2022 at 2:00 PM MST (AZ) Time. The deadline for questions is February 1st, 2022. All questions, answers, and updates will be posted on this page. Interested vendors are encouraged to check this page after February 1st.
Q and A for the BCSD Telecommunications (WAN Links) RFP will appear here
Q: It says point to point links must quoted, but then one of the bullets says “it is in BCSD’s advantage to use non-point to point links.”?
A: Please accept my apologies for the confusing language. Perhaps a better way to explain what we are trying to accomplish would be to say the links must be point to point, unless it is in the district's best interest to not use point to point (PtP) links. The bulleted list would be an example of circumstances where we would accept non-PtP links, or relay links. So for clarification, if the aggregate link speed is greater than the speed of the individual links AND it is in the best interest of BCSD, we would consider non-PtP links. It would be up to the individual vendor to explain why the non-PtP service would be favorable over PtP service. An example might be cost savings, or overall performance.
Q: Please provide the preferred configuration, i.e. EVPL (Ethernet Virtual Private Line) or ELAN (Ethernet Local Area Network)?
A: Again, please accept my apologies for my lack of familiarity with the terms. I did do a brief Internet search of terms, but since I do not completely understand the subtle differences between the two transport methods, perhaps I can provide more information that would help your company make the appropriate determination. In our current configuration BCSD has six PtP links. Three of those links are on privately owned direct fiber connection, and three of those links are currently a managed service Ethernet connection. Using a combination of static routing and 802.1Q VLAN tagging, we use these point to point links to route our data network and other VLANs within the organization. In the case of PtP links, we would continue to operate in this fashion. If the links were to be reconfigured to Point to Multi-Point, then we could possibly change our routing, but would still require the ability to provide 802.1Q VLAN tagging. If this does not provide enough information to make a determination, can you please provide more details on how the two methods would differ.
Q: Do you prefer rack or wall mount CPE?
A: BCSD will provide limited space for hardware mounting in our existing rack (if you require more than 6RU of space, please email me). However, we will make arrangements for any vendor to install their own rack or wall mount equipment. If mounting in our existing rack is not acceptable, please choose the option that will protect your equipment the best.
Q: Do you need LC or SC patch cords?
A: Most of the BCSD Fiber is SC on the panel side and LC on the switch side. Please assume our network equipment will require LC connections.
Q: In regards to the contract terms, may we offer longer initial contract terms than (1) year?
A: Due to several factors, BCSD is only seeking a one year term at this time. If your contract requires a longer term, then BCSD will be unable to sign the contract.
Q: If construction is required, when will the Notice to Proceed be issued?
A: BCSD will sign the contract once a vendor has been selected by the BCSD School Board. Even though BCSD would prefer to wait until USAC approval is received, authorization to proceed with hardware construction and installation will be given prior to the window of lead time provided in the vendor response. For instance, if your lead time is two months, Authorization will be provided one or before April 30, 2022.
Q: In regards to the public opening, will there be an option to view remotely?
A: Those who wish to view the public opening on February 8th at 20:10PM AZ Time may tune into the BCSD Board Youtube Channel. The live stream will be hosted on Youtube using the following link:
https://youtu.be/DNxd0fGH-Oc
During the public opening, we will only be opening proposals and reading the name of the vendor. No pricing information or award information will be disclosed during the public opening.
Q: Can you provide site plans showing conduit paths?
A:Please see the additional documents above (Under the RFP document link). These are all the plans we could find that showed conduits for our buildings.
Q and A for the BCSD Internal Connections RFP will appear here
Q: It looks like you are requesting a Palo Alto Firewall, but I was curious if I could show you a [Well Known Competitor] equivalent?
A: BCSD Has used Sophos and Fortinet Firewalls and Filters in the past. Our experience was less than great. Perhaps our experience was due to poor hardware at the time or just a bad integration. We are currently using a Barracuda F600 Firewall and I would say our experience is neither negative or positive. We are just out growing it. With that being said, you are welcome to quote other products as stated in the RFP, provided they match the requested hardware in specifications and function. It would be up to the vendor to provide documentation as to why their product should be selected over the requested product. At this time we will not do calls and demos for products. Once the RFP has closed, our evaluation team will contact vendors for specific product clarification and demonstrations if required.
Q: I have a question regarding your E-Rate request for [MIBS]. I checked with Wyebot, and they indicated you currently have five (5) sensors. For this year’s E-Rate, are you asking for 33 new sensors, or 28 new sensors and 3-year renewals for your existing 5 sensors?
A: While a vendor is not required to quote Wyebot sensors; if a vendor were to quote Wyebot sensors and be selected as the winning vendor, we would anticipate that the vendor would provide 28 new sensors with 3 years of service, and renew the service on the existing 5 sensors. Vendors who do not quote Wyebot should assume they will be replacing the 5 existing sensors and quote 33 new sensors.
Q: In regards to the public opening, will there be an option to view remotely?
A: Those who wish to view the public opening on February 8th at 20:10PM AZ Time may tune into the BCSD Board Youtube Channel. The live stream will be hosted on Youtube using the following link:
https://youtu.be/DNxd0fGH-Oc
During the public opening, we will only be opening proposals and reading the name of the vendor. No pricing information or award information will be disclosed during the public opening.