Durham Public Schools (DPS) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the replacement or upgrade of its current on-premises Cisco Voice over IP (VoIP) system. The desired solution is a cloud-hosted Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) or a modernized on-premises VoIP system. The current system supports approximately 4,001 active handsets across 62 sites. Vendors are required to submit proposals by April 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted via email by April 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM. A summary of questions and answers will be posted as an addendum. Proposals must include a five-year detailed cost breakdown. The contract will have an initial term of five years, with options for renewal. Payment terms are net 30 days after invoice approval. Vendors must demonstrate financial stability and relevant experience. Background checks may be required for vendor personnel. Disputes will be resolved through negotiation, with further remedies available if unresolved within 30 days.
The bid opening date, which is the deadline for proposal submission, is April 21, 2026.
The vendor will be paid net thirty (30) calendar days after the vendor's invoice is approved by Durham Public Schools.
Awards will be made to the vendors meeting the RFP requirements and achieving the highest and best final evaluation, representing the best value to Durham Public Schools.
Vendors must demonstrate experience with public and/or private sector clients of similar or greater size and complexity, and provide information on the qualifications and experience of personnel to be assigned to the project.
The parties agree that the vendor shall be subject to amounts due as liquidated damages, but not as a penalty, for failure to meet specified performance standards.
The RFP does not explicitly require sample submissions.
Protest requests must be received within thirty (30) consecutive calendar days from the date of the contract award.