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New America School
Request For Proposal
New America School
925 South Niagara Street, Suite 140
Denver, Colorado
Craig Cook, Chief of Business Operations
Contact: David Rein, Director of Development
303-894-3160
[email protected]
Issuance Date: 12/19/2014
Table of Contents
PROPOSAL COVER SHEET……………………………………………
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General…………………………………………….……………………….
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Item I
Internal Connections and Wiring ………………..….
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Documentation…………………………………….…………..
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Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections………….
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Statement/Confidentiality……….......................................
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Award Information and Timeline……………………..……………
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Award Matrix…………………………………………………………..…
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Item II
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PROPOSAL COVER SHEET
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
FIRM NAME:
ADDRESS:
CONTACT PHONE:
FAX:
E-MAIL AND WEBSITE:
CONTACT:
II. STATEMENT OF MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
I, __________________ (printed name) hereby declare that I am the _____________________ (title) of
_______________________ (Name of firm) submitting this profile and declaration, and that
I am duly authorized to sign this profile and declaration on behalf of the above named firm. All
information set forth in this profile and declaration and all attachments hereto are, to the best
of my knowledge, true, accurate, and complete as of the submission date.
The signer further certifies that (please initial):
a. _______ The Company has carefully examined all instructions, requirements, specifications,
and terms and conditions of the RFP for which this proposal is submitted. The company
understands all instructions, requirements, specifications, and terms and conditions of the
RFP, and hereby offers and proposes to furnish the goods and services described herein at
the prices, fees, and/or rates identified in this proposal, in accordance with the
instructions, requirements, specifications, and terms and conditions of the RFP.
b. _______ This proposal is a valid and irrevocable offer that will not be revoked and shall
remain open for New America School’s acceptance for a period of ninety (90) calendar days from the
proposal due date.
c. _______ The Company is in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
rules, regulations, and ordinances governing business practices. Specifically, The Schools and Libraries
Corporation, E-Rate.
d. _______ All statements, information, and representations prepared and submitted in this
proposal are current, complete, true, and accurate.
e. _______ Submission of this proposal indicates the signer’s acceptance of the evaluation
technique and that some subjective judgments may be made by the PPLD as part of the
evaluation.
f. _______ Evidence of worker compensation insurance, general liability insurance (minimum
$1,000,000.00) and fidelity bonding insurance (minimum $100,000.00). This requirement may be waived
at New America School’s discretion.
g. _______ There have been no claims, litigation, or other issues filed or pending against our
company in the past 5 years except as listed below. Specifically by The Schools and Libraries Corporation.
______________________________________________________
h. Vendor SPIN number is:__________________________________. Required for proposal acceptance.
___________________________________
Company Name
____________________________________
Signature
____________________________________
Printed Name and Date
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General:
The New America School (NAS) Lowry Campus (9125 E. 7th Place, Bldg. 905, Denver, Colorado
80230), Lakewood Campus (5806 W. Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80226) and
Thornton Campus (8978 N. Washington St., Thornton, Colorado 80229) each plan to upgrade
its internet capacity during the summer (July 1 – August 15) of 2015.
NAS is seeking proposals to provide the internal connections and wiring elements needed for
the upgrades of the specified properties.
In each facility, New America School plans to enhance the wireless network system and
network firewalls, and add or replace other infrastructure components.
Lowry campus:
Currently, this campus has several isolated wireless access points. We wish to replace these
with a managed wireless system. For bidding purposes, assume 20 access points and
controller, to support 475 users. The controller will centrally manage all the access points, and
can be hardware-based or cloud-based. We will work with the winning bidder to tune the
specifications for optimum radio coverage of the school building. Access points must accept
Power over Ethernet.
We will require category-6 cabling for all the access points.
We wish to upgrade several network switches, and will need 3 48-port managed gigabit
switches and 2 48-port gigabit managed switches with Power over Ethernet. VLAN capability is
desired, for future use.
We wish to replace the network firewall with a more robust unit, providing UTM (unified threat
management) capability. Our current content filter system is not part of the firewall; there are
2 years left on the lease. Please note if there is a content filter module available in your
solution, for future consideration. Our current internet bandwidth is 30 megabits,
symmetrical. The winning solution will allow for future bandwidth enhancements, to 100 mb.
We desire a better UPS solution. We are looking for a unit in the 2000 to 3000 volt-amp range.
Thornton campus:
This campus has a Cisco WLC-2112 controller and 8 AIR-CAP 3501i access points. We wish to
expand this; use 18 access points for reference, to support 425 users. The controller will
centrally manage all the access points, and can be hardware-based or cloud-based. We will
work with the winning bidder to tune the specifications for optimum radio coverage of the
school building. Access points must accept Power over Ethernet. The current solution is
single-radio, 802.11bgn. Upgrading to 802.11ac would be ideal. Either expanding the current
Cisco system, adding 802.11ac access points compatible with the current controller, replacing
the existing access points, or replacing the entire system, are acceptable options.
We will require category 6 cabling for all additional access points, beyond the 8 existing units.
We will require one additional managed network switch, 48-port gigabit, with Power over
Ethernet.
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We wish to replace the network firewall with a more robust unit, providing UTM (unified threat
management). Our current content filter system is not part of the firewall; there are 2 years
left on the lease. Please note if there is a content filter module available for future
consideration. Our current internet bandwidth is 30 megabits, symmetrical. The winning
solution will allow for future bandwidth enhancements, to 100 mb.
Lakewood campus:
This campus has an Aerohive solution, with 7 access points. We wish to expand this; use 16
access points for reference, to support 325 users. The controller will centrally manage all the
access points, and can be hardware-based or cloud-based. We will work with the winning
bidder to tune the specifications for optimum radio coverage of the school building. Access
points must accept Power over Ethernet. The current solution is single-radio, 802.11bgn.
Upgrading to 802.11ac would be ideal. Acceptable options include expanding the current
system, integrating new 802.11ac access points with the old, or replacing the current system.
We have PoE switch capacity to support the additional access points.
We desire a new server. One major use will be a caching system, for PARCC and other testing
programs.
We wish to replace the network firewall with a more robust unit, providing UTM (unified threat
management). Our current content filter system is not part of the firewall; there are 2 years
left on the lease. Please note if there is a content filter module available in your solution, for
future consideration. Our current internet bandwidth is 30 megabits, symmetrical. The
winning solution will allow for future bandwidth enhancements, to 100 mb.
*
*
*
The RFP is broken down into two distinct yet inter-related components: Internal Connections
and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. Vendors will be allowed to bid on any and all
of the requirements. All bids will be weighed and measured as standalone and be awarded
accordingly. New America School reserves the right to award multiple contracts to different
vendors for these services.
_____ I have read and agree to comply with this stipulation (please initial)
The following sections will define the technical goals and minimum specifications, as well as
key functions that will be required in order to consider any offer to this solicitation. New
America School encourages all prospective vendors to offer options and or ALTERNATIVES TO
SPECIFIC POINTS DEFINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT. Under no circumstances will New
America School consider an alternative proposal that does not initially meet the stated
specifications and functions. The evaluation matrix will take into consideration any additional
features and benefits defined by a vendor in his or her response, but only if the evaluators
deem the additional functionality or specifications germane to New America School’s identified
needs. This will be a judgment call on the evaluator’s part and will not be subject to review as
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to the decision to award or not award points to a proposal. The award for additional value
added to the response will be a fixed number of points, applied on a yes or no decision by the
evaluators.
New America School hopes to use funds provided by the Schools and Libraries Corporation, ERate, to offset the costs incurred. Any vendor responding to this RFP must certify that they are
currently listed as a vendor by the SLC, have a current SPIN number and provide it with their
response and are in good standing with the program and its rules and regulations. If during
the course of the service contract, a vendor loses its standing with the SLC and is barred from
working with schools or receiving reimbursements from the SLC, New America School will have
the right to cancel any and all services currently under contract with the vendor at no cost to
New America School. This requirement is a defined policy within New America School and any
vendor responding to this requirement will be awarded business only under the complete
understanding of this clause. This point will remain intact regardless of the terms and
conditions contained within a vendor’s contract or contrary language within a vendor’s
agreement. Your acknowledgement of the terms and conditions specifically expressed and
defined within this RFP will be incorporated into any actual contract signed by New America
School with your company, regardless of the actual inclusion of these points in the agreement.
As a service provided by a vendor under E-Rate rules and regulations, price will be the primary
factor in the award of this contract. A “points” matrix and the calculation methodology to be
used in the proposal review is incorporated within this document.
_____ I have read and agree to comply with this stipulation (please initial)
New America School will review and determine the successful vendor for the Internal
Connections and award to the successful vendor ONLY if the submitted solution will operate on
the Data and Voice Network(s) that will be employed at all NAS sites: New America School
currently operates a wide area network comprised of a Windstream MPLS WAN connecting four
buildings (three schools and headquarters) into a single virtual network (diagram supplied on
request). The schools are currently located in Thornton (NAS-Thornton), Lakewood (NASLakewood), and Aurora (NAS-Lowry). The three school locations each have a dual T-1
connection, at 3 megabits; the administration building on South Niagara has a bonded (four
1.5 Mb T-1s) 6 megabit connection. The network provides data connectivity from each school
back to the central administration office as well as providing backup Internet access from a
central location. The network is used for inter-campus Active Directory, file sharing, server
remote desk top, PBX administration as well as the SIP trunks for the phone system. All
inbound traffic from the Internet passes through a managed Windstream firewall. This includes
email (SMTP to the mail server, pop3 and imap from smart phones and off-campus email
users), remote desktop to specific servers, a virtual private network server and other servers.
The dial tone to all of New America School offices is currently provided via Windstream SIP
trunks, and is part of the data network. Each location has CenturyLink or Windstream pots
lines for fax and disaster backup purposes. The Windstream telecommunication termination
equipment consists of Windstream-managed routers, Allworx PBXs and phones at each
location. In addition, each location has a second “internet-only” connection, currently provided
by Comcast and Mile High Online. This second circuit is used primarily for web access, with
the MPLS circuit reserved primarily for the internal services noted above, in addition to the SIP
services. If it is determined by New America School that the submitted solution is incompatible
with internet and voice systems and cannot be resolved with a minimum expense and time,
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(New America School technical team will make that decision), then the award will go to the
vendor who scores the highest and is compatible with NAS internet and voice systems.
_____ I have read and agree to comply with this stipulation (please initial)
Any vendor responding to this RFP must certify that

They will provide a minimum of three customer references, preferably in a similar
industry and using a similar proposed solution.
_____ I have read and agree to comply with this stipulation (please initial)

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall protect, indemnify, save,
defend and hold harmless the New America School, including its officers, officials,
volunteers, employees and agents, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations,
claims, damages, penalties, causes of action, costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorney and paralegal fees, which New America School and/or its officers, officials,
volunteers, employees and agents may become obligated by reason of any accident,
bodily injury, personal injury, death of person, or loss of or damage to property, arising
indirectly or directly in connection with or under, or as a result of this agreement, but
only to the extent caused in whole or in part by any negligent or wrongful act or
omission of Contractor and/or its officers, members, directors, volunteers, employees,
subcontractors and/or agents.
_____ I have read and agree to comply with this stipulation (please initial)
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For Vendors responding to the INTERNAL CONNECTIONS portion of the RFP, please fill
in the following. If not, please mark it as “NOT PART OF OUR PROPOSAL,” right below
the opening paragraph.
INTERNAL CONNECTIONS AND WIRING
Please tell us about your Internal Connections support and its capabilities and your response
to general questions as it applies to our key concerns. Your response to the following, coupled
with your response to each point in the RFP will provide the information for our evaluation.
Some may seem redundant. Please bear with us. They represent points that are important to
us and want to bring your full attention to them. Respond in both places.
Response
Support, specifically do you:
1. Offer 24/7/365 on-site support?
Response:
2. Provide local technical support?
Response:
Capabilities, specifically:
1. Can you provide installation of structure wiring that adheres to the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568Category B telecommunications standards to New America School?
Response:
2. Do you provide installation of racks, wire management and wire identification?
Response:
3. Do you provide procurement and installation of network equipment to accommodate
data, voice and video connectivity to classrooms and work areas?
Response:
4. Do you provide procurement and installation of uninterruptible power supplies to
maintain operation of network equipment for a period of 60 minutes during electrical
power outages?
Response:
5. All equipment and materials should be new. Used, refurbished or repurposed
equipment or material will not be acceptable.
Response:
6. Conduit and electrical boxes in the work areas and classrooms will be provided by the
electrical contractor, and are not part of this RFP.
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Response:
General Questions:
1. What are my options if the network you provide does not meet the technical or
performance information you have provided?
Response:
2. Are the internal connection services you offer available from other companies as
competitive offerings? No names, just yes or no.
Response:
3. If requested by E-Rate auditors, will your company or vendor provide specific
component cost information in regards to the actual equipment used by you to provide
the service? Please note, this has become a common occurrence during PIA audits
performed by the Schools and Libraries Commission.
Response:
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DOCUMENTATION
Vendor shall submit to the New America School Information Technology department the
following documents within 10 days of installation. These diagrams need to be in electronic
format as well as bounded paper copy.
• Floor plan layout with cable drop identification detailed per cable drop report with details
such as:
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Distance
Return Loss
NEXT Diagnostics
Backbone routes and cable identification.
Other documentation related to the project
Response:
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For Vendors responding to the BASIC MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL CONNECTIONS
portion of the RFP, please fill in the following. If not, please mark it as “NOT PART OF
OUR PROPOSAL,” right below the opening paragraph.
Support Services Requirements:
New America School desires support services at each school campus. New America School
seeks proposals from firms with experience in providing Remote Infrastructure Monitoring and
Management for New America School. The purpose of this RFP is to evaluate the various
services available, and obtain subscriptions, training, monitoring, and maintenance services
that best serve the needs of the District.
Our basic requirements are as follows. Please state your compliance with all of the required
specifications. New America School reserves the right to award multiple contracts to different
vendors for the services.

Fluent with Microsoft Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office applications.

Competent in maintaining TCP/IP networks.

Excellent people skills, able to communicate with school staff on problems and
solutions.

Provide a ticketing solution for issues, with communications of progress and results.

Able to advise and work with management on new products and directions for school
systems, hardware, software and connectivity needs, and any other IT-related aspects.
SYSTEM SUPPORT – GENERAL NEEDS
Please tell us about your network support capabilities and your response to other general
questions as it applies to our key concerns. Your response to the following, coupled with your
response to each point in the RFP will provide the information for our evaluation. Some may
seem redundant. Please bear with us. They represent points that are important to us and we
want to bring your full attention to them. Respond in both places.
Response (Include rate per hour and service description):
Support, do you:
1. Offer 24/7/365 network monitoring and management?
2. Define your average and emergency response time
3. Have local field technician in Denver, Colorado?
General Questions:
1. Are the services you offer available from other companies as competitive offerings?
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2. If requested by E-Rate auditors, will your company provide specific component cost
information in regards to the actual equipment used by you to provide the service?
Please note, this has become a common occurrence during PIA audits performed by the
Schools and Libraries Commission.
IT MANAGER: SUPPORT SERVICES MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS
The successful vendors will meet the following qualifications:
1. Be fluent with Microsoft Windows servers and workstations, and be able to manage
and support a distributed Active Directory installation, with a user population of
around 120.
2. Be able to support the following application environments: Microsoft SQL Server
and MIP Accounting; a distributed Microsoft Exchange deployment; Symantec
Backup Exec; AVG Business Security, McAfee / MX-Logic email filtering service.
3. Be trained in the Allworx phone system, and able to manage a multi-site installation
of 4 systems and over 100 handsets.
4. Have outstanding “people skills,” to provide workstation and local support for the
non-profit office staff.
5. Be able to provide technical support for classroom workstations.
6. Be able to monitor all inter-campus data circuits, initiate and resolve trouble tickets
with the appropriate providers.
7. Be primary point of contact with all IT-related vendors, except those specific to one
school campus.
8. Maintain system documentation.
9. Provide advisory consulting on all IT-related issues, primarily connectivity and
enterprise operations, but including, and not limited to, smartphones, choosing
hardware and software products and vendors, classroom educational tools, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPORT TEAM: SUPPORT SERVICES MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS
The successful vendors will meet the following qualifications:
1. Be fluent with Microsoft Windows servers and workstations, able to support staff
and classroom workstations, and campus servers.
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2. Have excellent people skills, able to communicate with campus leadership and staff
regarding problems and solutions.
3. Be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues with peripherals, including phones,
printers, and specialized classroom tools.
4. Be conversant with school-specific applications, including but not limited to,
classroom programs, and able to guide staff to solutions, and able to make specific
recommendations as new applications come along.
5. Maintain an electronic ticketing system, whereby a staff member can initiate a
service request. The system will provide communications to the technical team and
the school staff regarding progress toward resolution of every ticket.
Any non-recurring costs should be described and clearly differentiable from monthly recurring
costs
Please provide 3 customer references representing current clients of similar size or function to
New America Schools that we can contact to check your references.
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STATEMENT
New America School fully intends to implement a solution provided by a vendor(s) on a
competitive basis, but we require language within the agreement that acknowledges the
existence and accepts our position on: economic downturn, population shifts and nonappropriations of funding for the project in whole or in part. New America School
requires language within the agreement that insures New America School’s ability to
modify, add or delete services as required. Construction costs per new site will be based
upon the formulization used by the vendor in their initial offer.
Response:
CONFIDENTIALITY
All material submitted to New America School must be treated as confidential and
cannot be used for any other response to this RFP. Information submitted by any
contractor will be considered confidential to New America School and will not be used for
any other purpose than evaluating contractor responses.
Response:
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AWARD INFORMATION AND TIMELINE
This is the New America School timeline for evaluation and decision-making process
Milestone
Date
RFP distributed to vendors
December 19, 2014
Vendors Meeting
January 13 2014 (1:00 p.m. MST)
RFP responses due from respondents
January 30, 20145 (5:00 PM MST)
Selection of vendor/contract negotiation
February 16, 2015
SUBMITTING RESPONSES
RFP responses, including all supporting documentation, are due no later than 5:00 PM MST,
January 30, 2015
Responses must include:
•One hard copy of RFP responses and detailed cost estimate
•One electronic copy of RFP responses and detailed cost estimate
Submit responses to:
Mr. David Rein, Director of Development
New America School
925 South Niagara Street, Suite 140
Denver, CO 80224
Phone: 303-894-3160
E-mail: [email protected]

Vendors Meeting will take place at 925 South Niagara Street, Suite 140, Denver, Colorado
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AWARD MATRIX
Bidders Name
Lowest Bid as
calculated (rank)
Points
Category
Bid Amount if
Applicable
Points
Available
Points
Awarded
Award
Based on
yes or no,
or up to
Price Point
25
Up to
Compliance with
Specifications
20
Up to
Past positive
relationship with NAS
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Y or N
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Up to
5
Y or N
5
Y or N
5
Y or N
Strength of NAS
specific solution
Local Denver Area
Presence
In-state facilities and
personnel
Added Functionality
Total
90
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