RFQ DYS POS 2026-10 WAN and Internet Services

Background
The Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking quotes to provide a wide area network (WAN) that connects all its school-related facilities and links the WAN to the Internet. The goal is to establish a reliable communication network across 20 sites in the Commonwealth, enhancing educational services. The contract will be under state contract ITT72 for Data Services and Broadband or Fiber Services, starting July 1, 2026.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet services with the following specifications:
- WAN must connect all DYS school-related sites using symmetrical point-to-point Layer 2 service, including Point-to-Point and Multipoint-to-Multipoint services.
- Minimum bandwidth requirements for each site are detailed in Appendix B.
- Internet Access service must connect the WAN to the Internet at speeds of 400 Mbps or greater, with options for two configurations: (2) 200 Mbps connections or (2) 400 Mbps connections.
- Firewall protection must comply with CIPA regulations, allowing only pre-approved sites and supporting different filtering profiles for user groups.
- The vendor must manage and maintain on-premise equipment like routers and switches, ensuring they are integral to the service provided.
- A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is required, detailing network availability, latency, packet delivery, jitter, service response time, and mean time to repair.

Period of Performance
The contract will commence on July 1, 2026, for a duration of one year.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed across various locations in Massachusetts as specified in Appendix A.

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must be active under ITT72 Category 4 Data Services and Broadband or Category 6 Fiber Services. They must also apply for a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and an FCC Registration Number (FRN). Vendors should have experience providing network services in Massachusetts for five or more years and be familiar with the E-rate program.