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

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is seeking proposals for E-Rate Category One eligible Internet Service for North Carolina Public School Units (PSU)s. The purpose of this RFP Lite is to obtain pricing for and procure statewide Internet Service. Vendors are encouraged to review the approved FY 2025 Eligible Services List (ESL) and the draft FY 2026 Eligible Services List to confirm the eligibility of their proposed solution. • 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. • 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.