E-Rate #270001499

USETPA cooperative contract solicitation for Palo Alto or equivalent network, security, and IT solutions

USETPA is seeking proposals for cooperative purchasing contracts covering Palo Alto or equivalent networking, security, and related IT solutions. - Buyer: US Educational Technology Purchasing Alliance (USETPA), a consortium buyer; the RFP is co-authored with Nampa School District (Idaho). USETPA seeks bids for participating entities but does not place orders itself. - OEM: Palo Alto / Palo Alto Networks is named as the manufacturer or brand; equivalent products are acceptable. - Products: Internal-connection equipment includes antennas and connectors, cabling, caching, firewalls, racks, routers, switches, uninterruptible power supplies and battery backups, wireless access points, and wireless controllers, including associated software and licenses. The broader RFP also covers LAN/MAN/WAN infrastructure, network transport, servers, storage, cloud and disaster recovery solutions, and cybersecurity products. - Form 470 quantities are generally determined by each entity’s needs. Listed ranges include 5,000–9,999 each for antennas/components and 5,000–9,999 feet for cabling; many other categories are listed at up to 9,999 each. No part numbers are specified. - Services: Basic maintenance of internal connections; managed internal broadband services (MIBS) using leased or existing equipment; managed and support services; evaluation, design, planning, installation, configuration, training, analytics, hosted internet, and financial or leasing services. - Notable requirements: Proposals for MIBS equipment should state whether remote or on-site management is included. The RFP also calls for geographic coverage disclosures and, where applicable, E-Rate participation information and exclusion of FCC-designated ineligible supply-chain vendors. - Contract structure and term: Intended as an indefinite-quantity convenience/cooperative purchasing arrangement; actual purchases depend on member needs. The RFP describes inconsistent term structures, including a five-year term with a possible five-year extension and separate language describing two-year terms and renewals. No single consistent period can be determined.

Description

The solicitation seeks proposals to establish convenience contracts for E-Rate-eligible products and related services, including Palo Alto or equivalent networking and security equipment. The scope includes LAN/WAN/MAN infrastructure, network security, cabling, managed and support services, installation, configuration, and related products and solutions; total quantities will be determined by member need. USETPA is authorized to seek bids but not to order services, and the contracts may be used by eligible consortium members and certain schools, libraries, and local government entities. Questions and bids must be directed to USETPA as instructed in the RFP; contacting a consortium member directly will disqualify a bid.

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