E-Rate #270002079

Networkmaine seeks Carrier Ethernet, lit-fiber, data transmission, and dark-fiber services for Maine organizations

Networkmaine is seeking fiber-based data transport for Maine education, government, research, and nonprofit organizations. - Government buyer: University of Maine System, Office of Strategic Procurement, on behalf of Networkmaine; services support organizations participating in MaineREN. - Organizations named: University of Maine System, Networkmaine, and MaineREN. No service-provider vendors or equipment OEMs are named in the solicitation. - Requested services: - Carrier Ethernet and leased lit-fiber connections linking participating sites to one another and to University Points of Presence (PoPs); fiber is preferred, with Orono and Portland PoPs favored. - Standalone data transmission, with Form 470 capacities listed from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. - Leased dark fiber connecting sites to a University PoP, using one or more strands; the Form 470 specifies one to two strands. - Scale and technical requirements: The Form 470 lists 743 entities for each service request and approximately 900 potential participating entities are described in the RFP. Individual school and library connections require at least 1 Gbps; sites needing more than 1 Gbps use a 10 Gbps Ethernet handoff. Ethernet sites require four EVCs on one UNI, and aggregation oversubscription may not exceed 5:1. The RFP specifies 99.95% reliability and availability expectations. ISP service is not required. - Pricing and scope: Provide site-level pricing; monthly circuit costs must include applicable taxes, surcharges, and fees, with one-time charges shown separately. Exact site-level quantities and circuit details are in cost exhibits not included in the provided document materials. - Term: Contract commencement is planned for July 2027, with an initial end in June 2031. The RFP describes different initial service-term scenarios, including a later start for one exhibit, and allows up to four mutually agreed one-year renewals. - Named OEMs: None identified.

Description

Networkmaine seeks data transport services for K-20 schools, libraries, government entities, research institutions, and other not-for-profit entities in Maine. Respondents are asked to provide Carrier Ethernet to connect service locations to each other and Networkmaine Points of Presence, and Dark Fiber to connect locations to a Point of Presence. For lit fiber, the stated minimum bandwidth for an individual school or library is 1 Gbps, with a 10 Gbps Ethernet handoff for sites requesting more than 1 Gbps; dark fiber capacity is 1 to 2 strands. Respondents should quote monthly circuit costs inclusive of applicable taxes, surcharges, and fees, and list any one-time charges separately.

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