Request for Proposal ERate Category 1
Project Name: ERate 2026-2029 Internet Services
Issued by: Tenaha Independent School District,138 College Street, Tenaha, TX 75974
Point of Contact: Ray Jackson, Director of Technology; jacksonray@tenahaisd.com; 936-248-5000 ext. 206
Bid Due Date: March 2, 2026 by 2pm
Introduction and Background
February 11, 2026 - Tenaha ISD, a Pre-K through 12th Grade Texas School District, is accepting ERate Proposals from Providers for bundled internet access. Service must be delivered to Tenaha ISD at 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas, 75974.
The objective of this Request for Proposal is to locate a source that will provide the best overall value to Tenaha ISD. While price is a significant factor, other criteria will form the basis of our award decision, as more fully described in the Evaluation Factors section of this Request for Proposal below.
2. Submission Guidelines and Requirements
The following submission guidelines and requirements apply to this Request for Proposals:
1. Seeking proposals for the following:
• Minimum of 1Gbps and Maximum of 2 Gbps dedicated internet access
2. Aprice proposal must be provided. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project.
3. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized ot commit bidder's company.
4. A contract for up to three (3) years is preferred subject to ERATE approval.
5. If you have a standard set of terms and conditions, please submit them with your proposal. All terms and conditions will be subject to negotiation.
6. Questions can be submitted by email to jacksonray@tenahaisd.com.
7. Awarded vendor must meet all requirements of Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and provide all the assurances and required certifications.
8. Proposal can be hand-delivered or sent via carrier to the following address.
Tenaha ISD
ERate 2026-2029 Internet Services
138 College Street
Tenaha, TX 75974
NOTE: "ERate 2026-2029 Internet Services" must be indicated on proposals package.
Electronic submissions of proposal are accepted to bowlinterry@tenahaisd.com
NOTE: Subject Line of electronic submission must include the project name "ERate 2026-2029 Internet Services
9. Proposal may be faxed to 936-248-3902. NOTE: Fax cover letter must include the project name ERate 2026-2029 Internet Services
3. RFP, FAQ, and Project Timelines
The timelines are as follows:
A. Questions/Responses can be submitted ot jacksonray@tenahaisd.com and wil be posted on our website, www.tenahaisd.com
B. Last day for FAQ is 2pm on February 23, 2026
C. Proposals must be received prior to 2pm on March 2, 2026 to be considered.
D. Bid opening date is 3:30pm on March 2, 2026 in purchasing office located at 138 College Street, Tenaha, TX 75974.
The selection/notification of the awarded vendor and non-awarded vendors will be emailed and project discussion with the awarded vendor will occur after awarded notification is received by a Funding Decision Commitment Letter by USAC/SLD to Tenaha ISD. Disclosure of pricing information may be subject to access in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, Public Information Act.
4. Evaluation Factors
Tenaha ISD bid matrix includes but not limited to the following factors:
A. Price/Cost of Eligible Products/Services - 30%
B. Quality of Provider's Goods/Services - 15%
C. Reputation of the vendor and of the vendor's goods or services - 10%
D. Goods/Services meets applicants needs - 10%
E. Provider's past relationship with applicant - 25%
F. Quality/Clarity and Applicant's understanding of Provider's Bid Proposals - 1%
G. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder's staff - 8%
H. The impact on the ability of the district to comply with laws relating to historically underutilized businesses - 1%
Tenaha ISD reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value to Tenaha ISD as determined solely by Tenaha ISD in its absolute discretion.
5. Notice: Lowest Corresponding Price
As required by Section 54.500(f) of Part 47 of the Code of Federal Regulation all bids in response to this RFP must offer the lowest corresponding price (LCP) which is defined as the lowest price that a service provider charges to nonresidential customers who are similarly situated to a particular E-rate applicant (school, library, or consortium) for similar services. See http://www.usac.org/sl/service-providers/step02/lowest-corresponding-price.aspx for more information on the requirements relating to LCP.
Brands:
Brand names that are included in this proposal request are for descriptive purposes, to indicate the quality, design and utility desired. These specifications are not intended to restrict competition. Brands of equal make or type ot those specified are acceptable unless otherwise indicated in this proposal request. Each proposer shall indicate the manufacturer's name and model number of the brands being proposed.
Or Equal:
Whenever any materials, apparatus, equipment or process is indicated or specified by patent or proprietary name and/or manufacturer, the name so indicated shall be deemed and constructed to be followed by the words, "or approved equal or greater." If an "or equal or greater" is proposed, the proposer will specify the brand, grade, model, etc. of any proposed substitute. The proposer must also provide a specification sheet and picture of the proposed product. The proposer shall clearly state any differences on the proposal sheet, not on an attachment of any kind. Tenaha ISD shall determine if the substitution is an equal or greater product after reviewing these items.
