Niles Community Schools

111 Spruce St.

Niles, MI  49120

Phone:  (269) 683-0734

Fax:  (269) 684-6337

• E-Mail contact preferred:
  • Thomas Skarbek (thomas.skarbek@nilesschools.org)

Important Notes:

• 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 September 8, 2009 and October 8, 2009.  Purchase and installation of products and services must be between Jul 1, 2010 and Jun 30, 2011. 
• Please mail, email, or fax all quotations to the above address/fax clearly marked "To the Attention of USF-RFP."
• 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

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 Tom Skarbek (thomas.skarbek@nilesschools.org) for details.

Internet Access

• Web Hosting for the District for School Website and On-Line Learning
  • On-line learning package is needed
  • Appropriate amount of data storage
  • Appropriate amount of transfer per month
  • Web interface for sub-domains
  • Web interface to add users and security
• Air Connection Cards
  • 1 - 5
• Portable wireless Internet access
• For 1 - 5 cell phones

Internet access 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 Eligible Services List 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 access as described above with 2-year contract.

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

Please contact Tom Skarbek (thomas.skarbek@nilesschools.org) 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.