Broadband Internet Service Providers Request for Qualifications

The Cooperative Purchasing Program (HGACBuy) of the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments is soliciting offerings for the furnishing of products/services as described in this Request for Qualifications. Texas Local Government Code (Title 7, Chapters 771 and 791) establishes the authority for H-GAC to provide cooperative contract products and services to local governments and certain non-profit organizations anywhere in the United States, if their statutes allow. With that authority, HGACBuy makes varied categories of contracted products and services available.

H-GAC is a government agency which provides a Cooperative Purchasing Program as part of its service to other government agencies. The Program currently makes blanket type contracts covering products and services for the use of its membership of more than 10,000 local government participants nationally (Our Customers) which include cities, counties, emergency services districts, school districts, and non-profit organizations. Any local government or non-profit organization (providing one or more governmental services) may participate in the Program if their state and local laws allow. There is no cost to join and become a member of the H-GAC Cooperative Purchasing Program.

H-GAC's Cooperative Purchasing Program, known as HGACBuy, was established pursuant to Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act [Texas Local Government Code, Title 7, Chapter 791]. The Act allows local governments and certain non-profits to contract or agree under the terms of the Act to make purchases or provide purchasing services and other administrative functions appropriately established by another government entity. The Interlocal Contract (ILC) is the required legal document that establishes a link between the Customer (local governments and certain non-profits) and HGACBuy and gives the Customer access to HGACBuy contracts.

HGACBuy contracts are established based on the requirements of Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 252 and/or other applicable State of Texas or Federal procurement requirements. Products and services are contracted after having been subjected to either a competitive bid (ITB); competitive proposal (RFP); or Request for Qualification and Pre-Qualification (RFQ) depending on the category type.

Contracts are blanket type and issued as Master Agreements. Use of HGACBuy for purchases by any Customer is strictly at the discretion of that entity. Customers issue purchase orders and pay the HGACBuy Contractor directly. The Customer also sends HGACBuy a copy of the purchase order and the Contractor is responsible for reporting the sale to HGACBuy as a contract requirement.