REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Internet Service Provider
For
Montgomery County Library & Information Network
Consortium
(MCLINC)
301 Fayette Street, 2
ndfloor
Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-238-0580
Issued: November 1, 2008
Due: December 12, 2008
1.0 Introduction
The Montgomery County Library & Information Network Consortium, (hereafter
MCLINC) seeks an Internet Service Provider for wide area network access to the World Wide Web.
The purpose of MCLINC is to provide cooperative access for its members to a county-wide integrated online library automation system that incorporates services that include, but are not limited to circulation control, public access catalog, access to the Internet and third party (local and commercial) databases, acquisitions, and system
management. The automation system provides for the effective and efficient sharing of library materials, the expansion of services already provided by its members and the provision of services which its members cannot provide on their own. The automation system, through cooperative procurement, centralized management and technical support, delivers cost effective, efficient information services to libraries in Montgomery County, PA.
MCLINC is a WAN employing leased data circuits between 24 remote library sites and the network headquarters located at 301 Fayette Street, 2nd floor, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Remote sites are served by T1 point to point circuits. All internet traffic is routed from Conshohocken after being checked for appropriateness by the content filter server at headquarters. A separate router serves as the external IP address for the network.
1.1 Scope of Work
MCLINC seeks pricing for multi-year contracts from Internet Service Providers, which shall include costs for network integration into the larger (vendor) network, and any other one-time charges associated with startup. The ISP circuit(s) will be dedicated circuits, quoted at bandwidth not less than 10MB service, with fiber facilities preferred. Quotes for larger bandwidth are also encouraged. The Internet Service Provider circuit will connect to MCLINC at 301 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA on the second floor of the Conshohocken Free Library. Fiber infrastructure exists in the area. A minimum block of 32 public IP addresses must be provided to MCLINC.
1.2 Contract Term
The contract, if awarded, will commence no earlier than July 1, 2009 or beginning with the effective date of the contract, if later. Customer to be billed in monthly installments during the contract period. The contract term will last 36 months, and the contract shall include language permitting contract extensions and/or upgrades of service during the contract period.
2.0 Functional/Technical Requirements
Routing shall be based on the TCP/IP protocol and shall be compatible with existing WAN and router configurations.
The vendor shall provide technical expertise to coordinate the necessary router configuration changes and resolve IP addresses.
MCLINC maintains all internal network addressing. Vendor to provide external or public addresses (Class C addresses). MCLINC requires no less than 30 public IP addresses for its network presence on the world wide web.
The ISP shall provide 24 hour/7 day technical "help desk" support, and pro-active monitoring of circuit/service performance.
The ISP shall provide access to a bandwidth usage tool to enable MCLINC to view internet usage on demand.
2.1 Documentation
2.1.1 Vendor shall supply a detailed Work Plan defining the steps to complete, naming the responsible party, in order to achieve a seamless integration into its network.
2.1.2 Vendor shall supply conditions under which the customer is entitled to credits for interruption of service.
2.1.3 Vendor shall provide a network diagram showing number of hops to backbone and major points of presence in
Northeastern USA and beyond.
2.1.4 Vendor shall provide a list of the minimum equipment and software required by MCLINC to provide Internet service. 2.1.5 Vendor shall price the cost to perform modification on the
configuration on the MCLINC ISP router (Cisco 3800). 2.1.6 Vendor shall supply information on whether the ISP router
owned by MCLINC can be maintained or supported by the vendor, and what the annual costs would be.
3.0 Site Requirements
Any work assigned as part of this contract that may be considered disruptive shall be coordinated with the MCLINC System Administrator with as much advance notice as is possible, with a general goal to perform sustained, disruptive work prior to or after library operating hours.
4.0 Vendor Requirements
Vendor shall provide a summary of total annual costs, as well as any itemized costs for additional one-time services provided at startup (if applicable).
Vendor shall supply any hardware or service upgrade costs associated with increasing bandwidth during the contract term.
The vendor shall certify participation in the Universal Service Fund, confirming MCLINC’s ability to secure e-rate discounts for internet service.
Vendor shall supply your company’s Acceptable Use Policy language.
Vendor shall supply a list of three (3) references where comparable Internet Service has been provided. The list should accompany your proposal.
Proposals must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2008. Faxed and email proposals are acceptable. The contract award will be announced no later than the close of the e-rate form 471 window requirements, on or about February 28, 2009.
Price quotations shall include the furnishing of all materials, equipment, tools and the provision of all labor and services necessary for the proper completion of the scope of work. All proposals shall be complete including charges for labor, travel,
documentation, insurance, deliveries, installation, testing, service materials, tools, and any other charges required to complete the work specified. If local loop is to be supplied by Verizon, associated costs must also be included.
The vendor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws, rules, licenses, and requirements.
5.0 Evaluation of Proposals
The contract awarded by the MCLINC Board of Directors will be result of evaluation based on:
• Timeliness of response • Completeness of response
• Number of internet bandwidth options presented • Costs, both startup and monthly recurring • Prior experience with Vendor
• Vendor Track Record, including references • Vendor Participation in E-rate program 6.0 E-rate compliance
MCLINC is an eligible entity under the Universal Service Rate discount program (E-Rate) and complies with requirements necessary to participate in this program. Responding vendors must supply their SPIN number and/or describe participation in the Universal Service Rate program. Vendor to specify whether e-rate discounts will be issued to MCLINC as checks or credits against invoices.
7.0 Contract Award
The selected vendor shall include contract language permitting an extension beyond the 1-, 2- or 3-year contract proposed.
The selected vendor shall include contract language that permits in-contract bandwidth upgrades.
8.0 Proposal Submissions
Completed proposals shall submit responses following the numbering system used in this Request for Proposal.
Proposals submitted to MCLINC shall include the following information as the proposal cover sheet:
Name of Company Address of Company Person Submitting Proposal
Telephone, Fax and Email Contact information E-Rate SPIN Number
Total Cost for Startup
Recurring Cost for 1-, 2- and/or 3-Year Service Agreement
Questions and proposals shall be directed to the attention of: Maryam Phillips, System Administrator
MCLINC
301 Fayette Street, 2nd floor Conshohocken, PA 19428 Telephone: 610-238-0580 Fax: 610-238-0581
E-Mail: [email protected]
MCLINC will share responses to questions submitted in advance of the deadline with any vendor intending to submit a proposal. To be included on this list, please email your intent to [email protected].
