# E-Rate #270002079

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

**Posted:** October 23, 2026
**Respond By:** November 20, 2026
**Identifier:** 270002079
**NAICS:** 517311, 517911, 517919

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.

[View original listing](https://publicdata.usac.org/EPC/Prd/Form470/270002079/16055092/22805190-USAC_FCC_FORM_470_APPLICATION_270002079_CERTIFIED.pdf)