Threshold Academy

Physical Address of the School:

    5827 Orleans Rd.

    Orleans, MI  48865

Physical Address of the Contact Person:

    904 Oak Dr.

    Greenville, MI 48838

    Phone:  (616) 754-9315

    Fax:  (616) 761-2298

• E-Mail contact preferred:
  • Steve Powell (stevep@8cap.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 November 27, 2009 and December 27, 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 “Request for Proposal – Threshold Academy 2010."
• 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.

Internal Connections

• Network cabling, network switches, wireless access points and cabling services are needed.

  • Minimum of 1 3CR17343-91 3Com Switch 4210 PWR - switch - 24 ports or like product

  • Minimum of 10 3CRWE915075 3Com AirConnect 9150 11n 2.4 GHz PoE Access Point - wireless access point or like product

  • Minimum of 86 CAT 6 Plenum drops

    • Termination within the meeting rooms, classrooms and offices will be installed into the raceway at industry standard height.

    • All wiring will be terminated in the rack within the server room.

    • All cable termination boxes and plates will be clearly labeled – NOT HAND WRITTEN.

    • Punch down block will be clearly labeled – NOT HAND WRITTEN.

  • All of the following must include installation costs and charges for continuing cost for support after the initial installation warranty.

  • Site visit is necessary to determine the exact amount for each product.

    • Site visits are only allowed before and after school.

• Only companies which specialize in business class network cabling and the sale of business class networking hardware will be considered.

• All costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal responding to this RFP will be the responsibility of the responding company and will not be reimbursed by Threshold Academy.

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 Steve Powell (stevep@8cap.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.