E-Rate #270002793

Territorywide WAN and leased lit-fiber internet services for Virgin Islands public schools

The Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking providers for territorywide E-Rate network and dedicated fiber internet services. - Government buyer: Government of the Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), through the Department of Property & Procurement; project liaison is the Office of Instructional Technology. Commissioner: Dionne Wells-Hedrington. - Services requested: WAN infrastructure connecting public schools and supporting offices on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, plus leased lit-fiber internet access at two district network operations centers (NOCs). - WAN links are specified at 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, or 1 Gbps by site type; inter-island connectivity, routing, maintenance, support, and 24/7 monitoring access are required. - Two separate dedicated NOC internet connections are requested, with pricing options from 200 Mbps to 5 Gbps per NOC. The RFP also specifies a 1 Gbps inter-island connection between NOCs; shared bandwidth is not acceptable. - The Form 470 lists 43 service units for 48 eligible entities, with capacity from 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps and installation and initial configuration. - Performance requirements: WAN availability of 99.999%, internet availability target of 99.99% monthly (with 99.999% total service also specified), and maximum latency of 100 milliseconds. Service-level remedies and monitoring access are required. - E-Rate and evaluation: Providers must participate in E-Rate, have valid SPIN and FCC registration numbers, and demonstrate relevant E-Rate experience. E-Rate is expected to fund 90% of costs; cost is a primary evaluation consideration. - Estimated cost: $1,896,348 per year. The initial term is two years, with two optional one-year renewals subject to mutual agreement and available funding. - Named organizations: No network equipment OEMs or prospective service providers are identified. Funds for Learning is named as an E-Rate consultant, not as a prospective provider.

Description

The Virgin Islands Department of Education seeks providers for Wide Area Network infrastructure services and leased lit fiber internet access. The services are intended to support the territory’s public schools, programs, and support offices, under the E-Rate program for funding year 2027. Proposals may address one or both requested services, and the attached RFP provides the full scope, terms, and submission instructions. The source estimates costs at $1,896,348 per year.

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