24-RQ244000-NM E-Rate Category One RFP Lite Project

Agency: State Government of North Carolina
State: North Carolina
Type of Government: State & Local
Posted Date: Dec 21, 2025
Due Date: Feb 5, 2026
Solicitation No: Doc1911751062
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Solicitation Number: Doc1911751062
Project Title: 24-RQ244000-NM E-Rate Category One RFP Lite Project
Description: The purpose of this RFP Lite is to obtain pricing for and procure statewide E-Rate Category One eligible Internet Service for North Carolina Public School Units (PSU)s. Products and Services will be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP Lite.The services requested in this solicitation are expected to be eligible for E-Rate discounts. Vendors are encouraged to review both the approved FY 2025 Eligible Services List (ESL) (https://www.fcc.gov/document/wcb-releases-amended-eligible-services-list-funding-year-2025) and the draft FY 2026 Eligible Services List (https://www.fcc.gov/document/wcb-seeks-comment-e-rate-eligible-services-list-fy-2026) to confirm the eligibility of their proposed solution, understanding that the final ESL may be amended prior to award.
Opening Date: 2/5/2026 10:00 AM
Posted Date: 12/20/2025
Status: Open
Department: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Solicitation Number
*
Doc1911751062
Department
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Status Reason
Open
Opening Date
2026-02-05T10:00:00.0000000
Posted Date
*
2025-12-20T03:16:03.0000000Z
Commodity Code
Internet services
Mandatory Conference/Site Visit
—
—
Special Instructions
—
Solicitation Type
*
Select RFP IFB RFI
Owner
Nicole Mathis
Description
The purpose of this RFP Lite is to obtain pricing for and procure statewide E-Rate Category One eligible Internet Service for North Carolina Public School Units (PSU)s. Products and Services will be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP Lite.The services requested in this solicitation are expected to be eligible for E-Rate discounts. Vendors are encouraged to review both the approved FY 2025 Eligible Services List (ESL) (https://www.fcc.gov/document/wcb-releases-amended-eligible-services-list-funding-year-2025) and the draft FY 2026 Eligible Services List (https://www.fcc.gov/document/wcb-seeks-comment-e-rate-eligible-services-list-fy-2026) to confirm the eligibility of their proposed solution, understanding that the final ESL may be amended prior to award.
Attachments

Attachment Preview

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (DPI)
Division of Digital Learning and Technology Services
Refer ALL inquiries regarding this RFP Lite in the
Sourcing Tool to:
Nicole Mathis
procurement@dpi.nc.gov
See page 5 for Offer Submittal instructions.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS LITE
24-RQ244000-NM
Offers will be publicly opened: February 5, 2026 at
10:00 AM ET
Issue Date: December 19, 2025
Commodity Number: 811121 Internet Services
Description: E-Rate Category One Internet Service
Access
Using Agency: Department of Public Instruction
Requisition No.: RQ244000
OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE
The State seeks offers for the Software, Services and/or goods described in this solicitation. The State’s acceptance
of any offer must be demonstrated by execution of the acceptance found below and any subsequent Request for Best
and Final Offer, if issued. Acceptance shall create a contract having an order of precedence as follows: In cases of
conflict between documents comprising the contract, the order of precedence shall be (1) Best and Final Offers, if
any, (2) special terms and conditions specific to this Request for Proposal-RFP Lite, (3) specifications, (4) Department
of Information Technology Terms and Conditions of this RFP Lite, and (5) the agreed portions of the awarded Vendor’s
offer. No contract shall be binding on the State until an encumbrance of funds has been made for payment of
the sums due under the contract.
EXECUTION
In compliance with this RFP Lite and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned offers and agrees to furnish
any or all Services or goods upon which prices are offered, at the price(s) offered herein, within the time specified
herein. By executing this offer, I certify that this offer is submitted competitively and without collusion.
Failure to execute/sign offer prior to submittal shall render offer invalid. Late offers are not acceptable.
OFFEROR:
STREET ADDRESS:
P.O. BOX:
ZIP:
CITY, STATE & ZIP:
TELEPHONE
NUMBER:
TOLL FREE
TEL. NO
PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING:
FAX NUMBER:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
DATE:
E-MAIL:
Offer valid for thirty (180), days from date of offer opening unless otherwise stated here: ____ days
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER
If any or all parts of this RFP Lite are accepted, an authorized representative of North Carolina Department of Public
Instruction shall affix their signature hereto. A copy of this acceptance will be forwarded to the successful Vendor(s).
FOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION USE ONLY
Offer accepted and contract awarded (Effective Date) ______________________.
By: _________________________________
Maurice “Mo” Green, Superintendent of Public Instruction
(Authorized representative of NC Department of Public Instruction)
By: __________________________________
Alexis Schauss, Chief Financial Officer of Public Instruction
(Authorized representative of NC Department of Public Instruction)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTENT, USE, DURATION AND SCOPE ..................................................................................................... 4
1.1 RFP LITE INTENDED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT............................................................................... 4
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. VENDOR QUESTIONS.................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2. ADDENDA ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3. OFFER SUBMITTAL...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4. BASIS FOR REJECTION............................................................................................................................... 6
2.5. LATE OFFERS .............................................................................................................................................. 6
2.6. NON-RESPONSIVE OFFERS ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.7. NOTICE TO VENDORS................................................................................................................................. 7
2.8. E-PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION.............................................................................................................. 7
2.9. DISTRIBUTORS AND RESELLERS .............................................................................................................. 7
2.10. POSSESSION AND REVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.11. BEST AND FINAL OFFERS (BAFO)............................................................................................................ 8
2.12. AWARD ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.13. POINTS OF CONTACT ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.14 SOURCE SELECTION ................................................................................................................................ 9
2.15 EVALUATION CRITERIA............................................................................................................................. 9
2.16. RFP LITE AWARD..................................................................................................................................... 10
2.17. ALTERNATE BIDS .................................................................................................................................... 10
2.18 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.0 SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. VENDOR STANDARD AGREEMENT(S) ..................................................................................................... 11
3.2. VENDOR UTILIZATION OF WORKERS OUTSIDE U.S. – DISCLOUSRE STATEMENT............................. 11
3.3. E-VERIFY .................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.4 REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO THIS RFP LITE......................................................................................... 13
3.5 SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS RFP LITE........................................................................................ 14
3.6. SECURITY SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................... 16
3.7. ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................... 17
3.7.1 ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAMS - Reserved ................................................................................................. 17
3.7.2 SOLUTION ROADMAP - Reserved ........................................................................................................... 17
3.7.3 IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT – Reserved.............................................................................. 17
3.7.4 INTEGRATION APPROACH – Reserved................................................................................................... 17
3.7.5 DISASTER RECOVERY AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY........................................................................... 17
3.7.6 DATA MIGRATION – Reserved ................................................................................................................. 17
3.7.7 APPLICATION MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................. 17
Page 2 of 35
RFP Lite # 24-RQ244000-NM
October 9, 2025
3.7.8 ACCESSIBILITY - Reserved ...................................................................................................................... 17
3.8. BRAND SPECIFIC PRODUCT - Reserved .................................................................................................. 17
3.9. DELIVERY................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.10. CONTRACT TERM .................................................................................................................................... 18
3.11 EFFECTIVE DATE...................................................................................................................................... 18
4.0 FURNISH AND DELIVER........................................................................................................................... 18
5.0 HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES ..................................................................................... 18
6.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS .............................. 18
7.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SAAS TERMS AND CONDITIONS ........................... 20
ATTACHMENT A: DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................... 32
ATTACHMENT B: COST TEMPLATE .................................................................................................................... 33
ATTACHMENT C: VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS .................................................................................................... 34
ATTACHMENT D: FINANCIAL REVIEW FORM ..................................................................................................... 35
Page 3 of 35
RFP Lite # 24-RQ244000-NM
October 9, 2025
1.0 INTENT, USE, DURATION AND SCOPE
The purpose of this RFP Lite is to obtain pricing for and procure statewide E-Rate Category 1 eligible Internet
Service for North Carolina Public School Units (PSU)s. Products and Services will be provided in accordance
with the terms and conditions of this RFP Lite.
The services requested in this solicitation shall be E-rate category 1 eligible services. Vendors are encouraged
to review both the approved FY 2025 Eligible Services List (ESL) (https://www.fcc.gov/document/wcb-
releases-amended-eligible-services-list-funding-year-2025) and the draft FY 2026 Eligible Services List
(https://www.fcc.gov/document/wcb-seeks-comment-e-rate-eligible-services-list-fy-2026) to confirm the
eligibility of their proposed solution, understanding that the final ESL may be amended prior to award.
The participation of Public School Units (PSU) and their site-level needs will change from year to year. NCDPI
will issue an updated PSU recipient list and associated bandwidth requirements annually. Each year, Vendors
will be required to provide refreshed pricing for every participating location. Pricing for any existing location
may decrease but shall not increase during the term of the contract. Vendors may propose lower updated
pricing as part of this annual refresh.
In addition to the annual update, moves, adds, deletes, and changes will occur throughout the contract period.
Some PSUs may elect to join the network mid-year, while others may exit. PSUs choosing to leave the network
must be permitted to do so without any additional fee. For PSUs joining mid-year, new locations may be added
and Vendors must provide a clear methodology for determining pricing for these new circuits. Vendors should
describe the price guarantee they will provide for new additions. For example, a Vendor may propose a flat
recurring rate for any new circuit and an incremental construction charge, consistent with applicable E-Rate
rules. All mid-year changes must comply with FCC and USAC requirements.
Pricing for all adjustments will follow the awarded speed tiers and rates, and any relocation-related
construction costs must be handled in accordance with the Vendor’s proposed pricing and all applicable E-
Rate rules.
The State considers internet connectivity to be critical infrastructure for North Carolina public schools. For this
reason, the State prefers to make a single award; however, it recognizes that a single award may not be
feasible.
1.1 RFP LITE INTENDED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT
The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFP Lite Qualification. NCDPI will make every effort to
adhere to this schedule.
Action
Issue RFP Lite
Deadline to Submit Written
Questions
Provide Responses to
Questions
Submit Bids
(Bid Deadline)
Public Bid Opening
Evaluate Offers
Best and Final Offer
Negotiations (if needed)
Responsibility
NCDPI
Vendors
NCDPI
Vendors
NCDPI
NCDPI
NCDPI and Finalist
Vendors
Date and Time
December 19, 2025
January 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET
January 8, 2026
February 5, 2026 by 10:00 AM ET
February 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET
See MS Teams Link Below under Public Bid
Opening
TBD
TBD
Page 4 of 35
RFP Lite # 24-RQ244000-NM
October 9, 2025
Award Contracts
Deadline to Submit Protest
NCDPI
Vendors
TBD
15 calendar days after award
PUBLIC BID OPENING
The public bid opening will occur virtually via the Microsoft Teams link below:
This meeting will be recorded for audit purposes only.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 218 790 479 566 24
Passcode: yJ3zo6M3
Dial in by phone
+1 323-484-5095,,156405807# United States, Los Angeles
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 156 405 807#
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1. VENDOR QUESTIONS
All inquiries regarding the solicitation specifications or requirements are to be addressed to the contact
person listed on Page One of this solicitation. Vendor contact regarding this Solicitation with anyone
other than the contact person listed on Page One of this Solicitation may be grounds for rejection
of said Vendor’s offer.
Written questions concerning this Solicitation will be received until January 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET.
They must be submitted in the Sourcing Tool. Please enter “Questions Solicitation 24-RQ244000-
NM” as the subject for the message. Questions should be submitted in the following format:
QUESTION # RFP LITE SECTION,
SUBSECTION,
PAGE NUMBER
VENDOR QUESTION
2.2. ADDENDA
The State may issue addenda if Vendor questions are permitted as described above, or if additional
terms, specifications, or other changes are necessary for this procurement. It is important that all Vendors
bidding on this RFP Lite periodically check the NC eVP and USAC EPC for any and all Addenda that
may be issued prior to the offer opening date.
All addenda shall become an Addendum to this RFP Lite.
2.3. OFFER SUBMITTAL
Due Date:
Time:
February 5, 2026
10:00 AM ET
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to upload their offer to the Ariba Sourcing
Module by the specified time and date of opening. Vendor shall bear the risk for late electronic
submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay, including but not limited to internet issues,
network issues, local power outages, or application issues. Vendor must include all the pages of this
solicitation in their response.
Page 5 of 35
RFP Lite # 24-RQ244000-NM
October 9, 2025
This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.
* Disclaimer: This website provides information about bids, requests for proposals (RFPs), or requests for qualifications (RFQs) for convenience only and does not serve as an official public notice. Individuals who wish to respond to or inquire about bids, RFPs, or RFQs should contact the relevant government department directly.

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