Lawrence Public Schools

650 W. Saint Joseph St.

Lawrence, MI  49064

Phone:  (269) 674-8232

Fax:  (269) 674-8206

• E-Mail contact preferred for questions:
  • johnoverley@lawrence.k12.mi.us (RFP sealed bids) or
  • genebutler@lawrence.k12.mi.us (technical contact)

Important Notes:

• All bids must be sealed and delivered by January 25, 2010 by 2:00 P.M. to the Superintendent's Office, at 650 W. Saint Joseph St., Lawrence, MI  49064. The bids will be opened at that time. Indicate on the outside of the package that contents include a USF Bid.
• E-mail, fax or verbal bids will be disqualified.
• Bids will not be accepted after January 25, 2010 at 2:00 P.M.
• For technical questions, please contact Gene Butler at genebutler@lawrence.k12.mi.us or (269) 674-8232, ext. 1999.
• This RFP can also be accessed at www.lawrencetigers.com by selecting the USF Link along the left side of the website. The Exhibits can be accessed at www.lawrencetigers.com. 
• This RFP is for products and services for existing networks/systems.
• All quotes must be submitted with the understanding that implementation may be dependent upon:
  • E-rate funding approval by the SLD
  • Student enrollments
  • Existing budgetary requirements. 
• The intent is that contingent contracts will be let between January 25, 2010 and February 9, 2010.  Purchase and installation of products and services must be between Jul 1, 2010 and Jun 30, 2011. 
• Hardware must allow for distribution of voice, video, or data signal to other buildings within the district as necessary. Capacity must allow for all users.
• The following specifications are to be used as guidelines in quoting a solution. Although specification changes are permitted, the quality of the product/service requested must be based upon industry standards at time of delivery. 
• The items requested within this RFP may or may not be USF eligible.  All non-eligible products and services must be itemized.  Please use the 2009 USF Eligible Services List for guidance. (Note: It is the vendor's responsibility to check for updates and corrections prior to submitting bids/quotations.)

The district reserves the right to accept or reject any or all quotations.

Telephone Service

NOTE: This RFP can also be accessed at www.lawrencetigers.com by selecting the USF Link along the left side of the website. The Exhibits can be accessed at www.lawrencetigers.com.

Telecommunications add-alternates for a multi-year contract may be considered for each of the telecommunication services described above.

• Alternate 1:  Telephone service as described above with 2-year contract.

• Alternate 2:  Telephone service as described above with 3-year contract.

Telephone service includes, but is not limited to, those items/components that are USF eligible.  Any additional telephone service not covered by USF eligibility, must be itemized and quoted separately. Please contact Gene Butler at genebutler@lawrence.k12.mi.us or (269) 674-8232, ext. 1999 for details.

Internet Access

NOTE: This RFP can also be accessed at www.lawrencetigers.com by selecting the USF Link along the left side of the website. The Exhibits can be accessed at www.lawrencetigers.com.

• Minimum of one T-1 for Internet access for the district
• Voice-over IP for local and long distance
• Additional circuits for a minimum of up to 8 meg download Internet bandwidth with 5 fixed IP addresses
  • NOTE: The district would like the option for 16Meg with the option of a multi-year contract
  • Domain name registration
  • Provide 99.97% uptime guarantee
  • 4-hour maximum service response time (24/7)
  • Include itemization of ISP-owned equipment necessary for connectivity that will be placed within the district
  • Bids must include line itemization of all components to allow for the use of e-rate funds on all approved items. Itemization should include, but not be limited to:
    • DNS
    • End-to-end maintenance on equipment used to deliver services.

Internet includes, but is not limited to, those items/components that are USF eligible. Any additional service not covered by USF eligibility must be itemized and quoted separately. Please refer to the 2009 USF Eligible Services List. It is the intent of the district to obtain the highest value at the most reasonable price.

Add-alternates for a multi-year contract may be considered.

• Alternate 1: Internet service as described above with 2-year contract.

• Alternate 2: Internet service as described above with 3-year contract.

Please contact Gene Butler at genebutler@lawrence.k12.mi.us or (269) 674-8232, ext. 1999 for details.

Internal Connections

• Telephone Upgrade for the District:

  • Upgrade existing NEC telephone system with new servers, messages/call manager hardware and software

  • IP phone system preferred
  • A list of all necessary hardware and software will be provided to each bidder.
  • Bids must include line itemization of all components to allow for the use of e-rate funds on all approved items.  
  • Warranty and Support
    • Include complete description of warranty and support (manufacturer's and vendor's)
    • Non-warranty service charges (include minimum charges)
      • Hourly rates
      • 8 X 5 Support Agreement
      • 24 X 7 Support Agreement

Basic Maintenance

• Maintenance contract for existing Telco/LAN infrastructure (test, replace, repair) cable and/or electronics. Includes, but is not limited to, all wireless access points, switches, routers, and the phone system for the district.

  • Must bid each school building separately

  • A walk-through is necessary to determine the extent of the basic maintenance

All hardware specifications above are minimum. It is expected that wiring/components/software will meet industry standards and current versions at the time of installation. Please contact Gene Butler at genebutler@lawrence.k12.mi.us or (269) 674-8232, ext. 1999 for details.

Bid Evaluation

Although the cost of the product/service is of primary concern, the ability to accommodate growth and change and the total cost of operation (TCO) within the district are, in many ways, more important. Do not assume the lowest bid will be awarded the project.

To achieve this goal, bids will be evaluated on several factors.

• Prices/charges

• Prior experience

• Understanding of needs

• Financial stability

• Personnel qualifications

• Comply with the spirit of the district's long range technology plan

• Compatibility with district hardware/software standards as set forth within district's long range technology plan

• Provide lower long-term cost of ownership

• Ability to upgrade and adapt to technological advances

• Completeness of response and adherence to bid specifications

• Summary of project implementation plan

• Capability of the bidder to successfully complete the installation within the required timeframe.