The Vendor is required to provide by a third party for the operation, management, and monitoring of eligible broadband internal connections are eligible managed internal broadband services (e.g., managed Wi-Fi).
- Digital connectivity is any integral element in maintaining basic library functions and providing communal services within their perspective communities.
- Eligible managed internal broadband services (MIBS) of E-Rate Eligible Equipment include:
• E-Rate support is limited to eligible expenses or portions of expenses that directly support and are necessary for the broadband connectivity within schools and libraries.
• Eligible expenses include the management and operation of the LAN/WLAN, including installation, activation, and initial configuration of eligible components and on-site training on the use of eligible equipment.
• In some eligible managed internal broadband services models, the third-party manager owns and installs the equipment and school and library applicants lease the equipment as part of the managed services contract.
• In other cases, the school or library may own the equipment, but have a third party manage the equipment for it.
- Basic maintenance of eligible broadband internal connections:
• E-rate support is available for basic maintenance and technical support appropriate to maintain reliable operation when provided for eligible broadband internal connections.
• The following basic maintenance services are eligible: repair and upkeep of eligible hardware.
• Wire and cable maintenance.
• Configuration changes.
• Basic technical support including online and telephone-based technical support.
• Software upgrades and patches including bug fixes and security patches.
- Include help desk, web filter, firewall, managed servers, endpoint detection and response, and 24x7 network monitoring.
- Document hardware components/configuration for all related network switch, router, UPS, etc.
- In coordination with agency electronics support services section (ESSS), monitoring and tuning of network to ensure uptime and reliability (24/7).
- Contact and coordination with ESSS any of issues found and working with ESSS for resolution.
- Implementation and advising of current networking/security technological standards and practices.  - Care and coordination must be adhered as some of the network pathways are shared with other “iNet” partner and stakeholders; so great caution and coordination is required to ensure no circuit is adversely impacted.
- Professional services for the duration of the E-rate funding.
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: February 21, 2025