DeTour Area Schools Technology 202 S.

Division Street DeTour Vlg, MI 49725

Request for Proposal-Wireless Networking

Purpose
This RFP is submitted to provide the hardware to upgrade the wireless network infrastructure at the Drummond Island Elementary and DeTour Building of DeTour Area Schools.

Background
As part of a previous grant project, the DeTour Area Schools had a complete site survey and installation of 26 Cisco Aironet 1100 802.11b autonomous access points providing wireless coverage to all areas of the two buildings. Each access point has one Cat5E Ethernet cable to one of 8 data closets. Each drop is connected to a 10/100/1000 network switch port supporting 802.3af. This system is operating a single SSID with no encryption enabled. As wireless devices have become more widespread the 802.11b access points have become unable to handle the density of wireless clients and as autonomous devices it is difficult to manage or troubleshoot the wireless network. The awarding of a new grant providing a wireless device to each student in these buildings has now made it imperative that these shortcomings be addressed. In addition, it has been determined that a separate, encrypted SSID and VLAN for mission critical data is desirable. DeTour Area Schools is part of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Technology Consortium which includes 12 school districts in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These 12 school districts are currently connected via a wide area network to share access to the Internet. The proposed system as a result of this RFP may be expanded to the other districts within the Consortium with centralized management and control of wireless networks in all 12 school districts. Currently the consortium districts are supported by a total of 350 Cisco Aironet 1100 b or g autonomous access points.

Technical Requirements
Minimum Specifications:
Proposed system must provide coverage to all areas of the two buildings at DeTour Area Schools Proposed system must support the 802.11 A/B/G and N Minimum 8 Broadcast SSIDs with unique QoS and network security policies per SSID WEP, WPA-PSK (AES), 802.1X support Captive portal and guest accounts RADIUS and Active Directory support to determine SSID / VLAN / Security policy assignment of client devices associating with wireless network Proposed system must support 802.3af.

Proposed system must provide centralized management of wireless network: Wireless access must continue to function normally if communication with centralized management is not available Central management of wireless network must work across subnets connected by geographically diverse routed WAN connections. Firmware upgrade Access point configuration Monitoring of wireless network utilization, (client load, bandwidth utililization, ect.) It must be possible to configure multiple SSIDs with independent settings, including VLANs for segregating traffic. Options to mount horizontally, vertically or suspended from ceiling must be included with associated hardware. Each access point must support a density of 120 wireless clients within a 5000 square foot area supporting basic web browsing. System Options: If proposed solution requires 802.3at to perform at full capacity, provide associated equipment to power system at the 802.3at standard, as an option. Option to expand wireless network and management to all consortium districts. (see background information) Pricing on annual maintenance on system for software / functionality upgrades Hardware warranty options

Additional Requirements
Bid prices shall include all shipping, handling, or delivery. Shipments for all equipment must be coordinated with Carole Hiney, District Technology Director. Delivery will begin within 30 days of order. References of three (3) K-12 school district accounts currently serviced, for whom comparable equipment is being used, must be furnished. This list shall include company name, person to contact, address and telephone number. Failure to include references may be ample cause for rejection. All items proposed must be new, not reconditioned. Any maintenance costs and any other potentially hidden costs shall be identified as part of the proposal. Demonstration of management interface, either through screen captures or online demonstration shall be provided. The installation of equipment is to be performed by district personnel. A brief synopsis of the installation procedure shall be included in the proposal, as well as availability and any costs associated with technical support during installation, such as telephone, web based chat, or on site visits by support personnel.

Selection Criteria
In order to be considered, proposals must be received on or before February 21, 2012 and will be evaluated based on the following criteria in no particular order: Cost Capability to handle the demands of the environment Ease of installation and configuration Ease of management Capabilities for segregating traffic Warranty and support details DeTour Area Schools reserves the right to accept or reject any or all items in the bid; to accept or reject any or all bids; to waive any in-formalities therein; or for reasons of establishing uniformity or that serve the best interest of the District, to award the contract to other than the low bidder(s).

Submission Deadline and Process

Submissions must be received by 3:00 PM on February 21, 2012 at the following address: Carole Hiney, Technology Coordinator DeTour Ste. Area Schools 202 S. Division Street DeTour Village, MI 49725

Two (2) signed copies Proposals must be submitted via mail or in person in a sealed envelope that is clearly marked PROPOSAL: WIRELESS NETWORKING. The proposals must be the original and signed by an individual authorized to bind the vendor to be valid. Proposals must be received by the time and date stated or they will not be considered. Proposals received after the announced time and date will be returned unopened. Proposals submitted by facsimile, telephone or orally will not be accepted. All received proposals will be opened at the specified time and will be read aloud. The public is welcome to attend this bid opening.

Limitations
DeTour Are Schools are not liable for any costs incurred by the vendor prior to the issuance of any agreements, contracts or purchase orders, and will not pay for information solicited or obtained in response to this RFP. The information obtained will be utilized solely to determine the suitability of the products or services offered. Subsequent procurement, if any, will be in accordance with appropriate rules and regulations. All submitted proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by only those officials who have a legitimate interest. Any information within a proposal that a vendor considers to be proprietary

should be identified as such in writing. Otherwise, we reserve the right to use any or all ideas presented with a proposal in any reply to this RFP. Selection or rejection of a vendors proposal does not affect this right. Vendors may be required to make an oral presentation to DeTour Area School's evaluators if clarification of a proposal is necessary to make a proper evaluation. A vendors original proposal cannot be changed in any aspect as a result of an oral presentation. The oral presentation is only intended to provide an opportunity for vendors to clarify specific portions of their proposal. Oral presentations will be arranged at the discretion of DeTour Area Schools and will be by invitation only.

Contact Information
Questions may be directed to:

Carole Hiney Director of Technology DeTour Area Schools 202 S. Division Street DeTour Village, MI 49725 (906) 297-2011 x 217 chiney@eup.k12.mi.us