Erate 2022-2023
Questions and Answers From Vendors
Information for vendors: The RFP document titled CCS_Erate_RFP_2022_2023_FINAL_2 fixes the link to the Google Form to sign up for a walk-through date and time.
Q: When do you need this in by? (question received Mar 17, 2022, 3:55 PM)
A: Our initial deadline was March 17, but we still need bids. Our deadline is now Monday, March 21. Our final date to submit an application to erate is Tuesday, March 22. If the March 21 deadline is reached with no additional bids, the deadline will change to March 22 at 12pm. We will not be able to accept bids after that as we will need to choose a vendor (or choose no vendor) and will need to submit our application the same day. (question answered Mar 18, 2022, 11:01 AM)
These questions and answers came March 18, 2022:
UPS Units
Are there any existing models you have that you want to stick with? We have 2 APC SMC1500-2UC UPS's. I am not requesting a particular brand.
Are there any capacity requirements? We will rely on your expertise to offer what our equipment needs to operate properly.
Tower vs Server? They are tower UPS's.
Any specific functionality you are requesting? SmartConnect vs Locally managed? We have not used the SmartConnect feature but will consider it if it is part of your bid.
Firewall Service
With the firewall, are you looking to replace what you current are running? We prefer using GoGuardian, but Erate requirements indicate we will need to evaluate an overall package based on our bid evaluation matrix.
If you are, is there any particular brand you are looking for or wanting a recommendation? See above question
If you are not wanting to replace your current unit, could you elaborate on what “Firewall services” you are requiring? We are currently using a cloud-based service.
Racks
Could you provide me some details around what kind of racks you are looking for?
Full size? Whatever will fit our needs, but I believe it will need to be full size.
Half racks? Please see above.
2 vs 4 post? I believe our current rack is two post with channels in the sides for wiring.
Open or enclosed? Open is fine.
Lockable doors? No
Wireless APs
I see you have Ubiquiti or equivalent listed.
Do you currently have ubiquiti? Yes
If so, do you currently have a Unifi controller running and which model APs do you currently have? Yes, we have a Unifi controller. We have 13 Ubiquiti UAP-AC-SHD access points in the building and 2 Ubiquiti Mesh UAP-AC-M-PRO units on the outside of the building.
Do you currently have PoE throughout your network? Yes, we have 3 rack-mountable Ubiquiti US-48-500W Unifi POE switches
What type of authentication are you utilizing for wireless? Shared Key? Radius? I am unable to answer this question at this time.
Routers
Question on this one, it is listed as two separate line items. One line item is for the unit itself, the other is for Basic Maintenance of the unit.
Are you looking for a single Layer 3 routing device or more then one? I am unable to answer this question. Our current Router/Gateway is a Ubiquiti USG-PRO Security Gateway
What type of upstream connectivity is required? 1Gbe / 10Gbe? SPF+ / Coper? We have a 1GB connection from Crosslake Communications
How many devices access your network? (Approximately) 300-400
Q: When do you need this in by? (question received Mar 17, 2022, 3:55 PM)
A: Our initial deadline was March 17, but we still need bids. Our deadline is now Monday, March 21. Our final date to submit an application to erate is Tuesday, March 22. If the March 21 deadline is reached with no additional bids, the deadline will change to March 22 at 12pm. We will not be able to accept bids after that as we will need to choose a vendor (or choose no vendor) and will need to submit our application the same day. (question answered Mar 18, 2022, 11:01 AM)
These questions and answers came March 18, 2022:
UPS Units
Are there any existing models you have that you want to stick with? We have 2 APC SMC1500-2UC UPS's. I am not requesting a particular brand.
Are there any capacity requirements? We will rely on your expertise to offer what our equipment needs to operate properly.
Tower vs Server? They are tower UPS's.
Any specific functionality you are requesting? SmartConnect vs Locally managed? We have not used the SmartConnect feature but will consider it if it is part of your bid.
Firewall Service
With the firewall, are you looking to replace what you current are running? We prefer using GoGuardian, but Erate requirements indicate we will need to evaluate an overall package based on our bid evaluation matrix.
If you are, is there any particular brand you are looking for or wanting a recommendation? See above question
If you are not wanting to replace your current unit, could you elaborate on what “Firewall services” you are requiring? We are currently using a cloud-based service.
Racks
Could you provide me some details around what kind of racks you are looking for?
Full size? Whatever will fit our needs, but I believe it will need to be full size.
Half racks? Please see above.
2 vs 4 post? I believe our current rack is two post with channels in the sides for wiring.
Open or enclosed? Open is fine.
Lockable doors? No
Wireless APs
I see you have Ubiquiti or equivalent listed.
Do you currently have ubiquiti? Yes
If so, do you currently have a Unifi controller running and which model APs do you currently have? Yes, we have a Unifi controller. We have 13 Ubiquiti UAP-AC-SHD access points in the building and 2 Ubiquiti Mesh UAP-AC-M-PRO units on the outside of the building.
Do you currently have PoE throughout your network? Yes, we have 3 rack-mountable Ubiquiti US-48-500W Unifi POE switches
What type of authentication are you utilizing for wireless? Shared Key? Radius? I am unable to answer this question at this time.
Routers
Question on this one, it is listed as two separate line items. One line item is for the unit itself, the other is for Basic Maintenance of the unit.
Are you looking for a single Layer 3 routing device or more then one? I am unable to answer this question. Our current Router/Gateway is a Ubiquiti USG-PRO Security Gateway
What type of upstream connectivity is required? 1Gbe / 10Gbe? SPF+ / Coper? We have a 1GB connection from Crosslake Communications
How many devices access your network? (Approximately) 300-400