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)
  • David DelMuro (david.delmuro@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 January 26, 2010 and February 5, 2010.  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 2010 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.

Internal Connections - For all school buildings

• Cat6 cabling for all school buildings

  • A walk through is necessary to determine the scope of work.

  • All installation and configuration charges should be included.

• Network switches for all school buildings

  • A walk through is necessary to determine the amount of network switches for each building.

  • All installation and configuration charges should be included.

• Wireless switches for all school buildings

  • A walk through is necessary to determine the amount of wireless switches for each building.

  • All installation and configuration charges should be included.

• UPS for all school buildings

  • A walk through is necessary to determine the amount of UPSs for each building.

  • All installation and configuration charges should be included.

• Firewall for the district

  • All installation and configuration charges should be included.

• Telephone System for the District:

  • Upgrade or replace existing system to Voice-over IP, if more cost-effective.  The district is looking for the most cost effective solution to its telephony needs.  The proposal should include a comparison of the proposed solution with other existing analog/digital/IP based systems.

  • An evaluation is needed to sufficiently detail the phone system requirements for the district.
    • Consideration will be given to an Ethernet-based telephony solution.
    • Any system proposed must be capable of future expansion of up to 500 extensions, call accounting, Digital PRI, DID, etc.
    • 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:
      • Approximately 466 Telephone Handsets
      • Voicemail for 6 port/20 hours
      • E911 service to the classrooms
      • Caller ID
      • Ability to record conversation
      • Installation and initial programming
      • Training
        • System Administrator(s)
        • Primary Users
      • All necessary infrastructure components
      • UPS Power Backup
      • 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
    • Bids must allow for analog devices where necessary.
  • Cisco equipment is preferred.

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, servers, and the phone system for the district.

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 David DelMuro (david.delmuro@nilesschools.org) for details.

Please contact David DelMuro (david.delmuro@nilesschools.org) to arrange a time for a building site survey. (NOTE: Surveys must be conducted before or after school.)

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.