The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) established a fund by which schools and libraries across the country could access discounts on eligible telecommunications products and services. The program is commonly known as the E-rate Program. The eligibility for discounts on internet access, telecommunications products and services, internal connection products, services and maintenance is determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Funding is made available upon application approval by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which was established by the Act.

1. E-RATE CONTINGENCY
The project consists of the procurement of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and associated services through the E-rate Program (Project) and is contingent upon the approval of funding from the USAC. Even after award of contract and/or E-rate funding approval is obtained, the City of San Diego (otherwise known as City or Applicant) may or may not proceed with the Project, in whole or in part. Execution of the Project, in whole or in part, is solely at the discretion of the City.

2. SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
The City expects service providers for the Project, including those submitting a proposal to this RFP (Service Providers) to make themselves thoroughly familiar with any rules or regulations regarding the E-rate program.

a. Service Providers are required to be in full compliance with all current requirements and future requirements issued by the SLD throughout the contractual period of any contract entered into as a result of this request for proposal (RFP).

b. Service Providers are responsible for providing a valid SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number). More information about obtaining a SPIN may be found at this website: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-1-obtain-a-spin/.

c. Service Providers are responsible for providing a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Registration Number (FRN) at the time the bid is submitted. More information about obtaining an FRN may be found at this website: https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do.

d. Service Providers are responsible for providing evidence of FCC Green Light Status at the time their proposal is submitted. Any Service Provider found to be in Red Light Status will be disqualified from participation in the RFP process and will be considered non- responsive. More information about FCC Red and Green Light Status may be found at this website: http://www.fcc.gov/debt_collection/welcome.html.

e. Products and services must be delivered before billing can commence. At no time may the Service Provider invoice before July 1, 2025.

f. Prices must be held firm for the duration of the associated E-rate Funding Year(s) or until all work associated with the project is complete (including any contract and USAC approved extensions).

g. Goods and services provided shall be clearly designated by Service Providers as “E-rate Eligible”. Non-eligible goods and services shall be clearly called out by Service Providers as 100% non-eligible or shall be “cost allocated” to show the percentage of eligible costs per SLD guidelines.

h. In the event of questions during an E-rate pre-commitment review, the awarded Service Provider is expected to reply within 24 hours to questions associated with its proposal.

i. In the event of questions during an E-rate post-commitment review and/or audit inquiry, the awarded Service Provider is expected to reply within 3 business days.

j. Services providers must comply with the FCC rules for Lowest Corresponding Price (“LCP”). Further details on LCP may be obtained at USAC’s website: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-2-responding-to-bids/lowest-corresponding-price/

SDPL Fiscal Year 2025 Category 1 Mobile Hotspots and Associated Services

Invitation : 10090273-25-D

Agency: City of San Diego

Department: Purchasing Contracting Department

Address: 1200 Third Ave Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92101

Posting Date: 2025-02-05 12:49:32

Due Date: 2025-03-03 14:00:00

Bid Bond: %0

Response Format: Electronic and Paper

Ref: 182902

Check out for more detail: Official Bid Page

Categories

• COMPUTER HARDWARE AND PERIPHERALS FOR MICROCOMPUTERS
• Computers, Hardware, Software
• Computer Hardware And Peripherals For Mini And Main Frame Computers
• Computer Accessories And Supplies
• Computer Hardware Consulting
• Computer Software Consulting
• Data Processing, Computer, Programming, And Software Services
• Library Services (Incl. Research And Subscription Services)

Scope of Services

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) established a fund by which schools and libraries across the country could access discounts on eligible telecommunications products and services. The program is commonly known as the E-rate Program. The eligibility for discounts on internet access, telecommunications products and services, internal connection products, services and maintenance is determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Funding is made available upon application approval by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which was established by the Act.

1. E-RATE CONTINGENCY
The project consists of the procurement of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and associated services through the E-rate Program (Project) and is contingent upon the approval of funding from the USAC. Even after award of contract and/or E-rate funding approval is obtained, the City of San Diego (otherwise known as City or Applicant) may or may not proceed with the Project, in whole or in part. Execution of the Project, in whole or in part, is solely at the discretion of the City.

2. SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
The City expects service providers for the Project, including those submitting a proposal to this RFP (Service Providers) to make themselves thoroughly familiar with any rules or regulations regarding the E-rate program.

a. Service Providers are required to be in full compliance with all current requirements and future requirements issued by the SLD throughout the contractual period of any contract entered into as a result of this request for proposal (RFP).

b. Service Providers are responsible for providing a valid SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number). More information about obtaining a SPIN may be found at this website: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-1-obtain-a-spin/.

c. Service Providers are responsible for providing a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Registration Number (FRN) at the time the bid is submitted. More information about obtaining an FRN may be found at this website: https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do.

d. Service Providers are responsible for providing evidence of FCC Green Light Status at the time their proposal is submitted. Any Service Provider found to be in Red Light Status will be disqualified from participation in the RFP process and will be considered non- responsive. More information about FCC Red and Green Light Status may be found at this website: http://www.fcc.gov/debt_collection/welcome.html.

e. Products and services must be delivered before billing can commence. At no time may the Service Provider invoice before July 1, 2025.

f. Prices must be held firm for the duration of the associated E-rate Funding Year(s) or until all work associated with the project is complete (including any contract and USAC approved extensions).

g. Goods and services provided shall be clearly designated by Service Providers as “E-rate Eligible”. Non-eligible goods and services shall be clearly called out by Service Providers as 100% non-eligible or shall be “cost allocated” to show the percentage of eligible costs per SLD guidelines.

h. In the event of questions during an E-rate pre-commitment review, the awarded Service Provider is expected to reply within 24 hours to questions associated with its proposal.

i. In the event of questions during an E-rate post-commitment review and/or audit inquiry, the awarded Service Provider is expected to reply within 3 business days.

j. Services providers must comply with the FCC rules for Lowest Corresponding Price (“LCP”). Further details on LCP may be obtained at USAC’s website: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/step-2-responding-to-bids/lowest-corresponding-price/