The procurement division of Knox County, Tennessee, is seeking sealed proposals for networking materials. Proposals must be received by March 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Vendors must register online and submit two hard copies of proposals, one original and one copy, along with an electronic version on a flash drive. Award will be based on best value, considering cost, ability to execute, eligible products, experience, and installation/training/maintenance. The county encourages participation from disadvantaged businesses. The contract may be extended for four additional years upon mutual agreement. Vendors must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Invoices must show detailed information. The county is subject to the Tennessee Open Records Act. The federal E-Rate program is applicable, and vendors must comply with its rules. The county does not guarantee any quantity of services will be utilized. Vendors must provide references and adhere to the proposal format. The county reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.
The bid notice states proposals must be received by 2: 00 p. m. on march 2, 2026.
Knox County utilizes two methods of payment: purchase orders and the Knox County credit card Visa. The notice states, vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty 30 days is required to process invoices for payment.
The proposer warrants to Knox County that all items delivered and all services rendered shall conform to the specifications, drawings, solicitation andor other descriptions furnished andor incorporated by reference and will be fit for the particular purpose purchased of merchantable quality, good workmanship, and free from defects. The proposer extends to Knox County all warranties allowed under the u. c. c.
The award will be made to the most responsive, responsible proposers meeting specifications and presenting the products andor services that is in the best interest of knox county. The evaluation criteria are: cost 35 points, ability to execute 30 points, eligible products 15 points, experience qualifications 10 points, and installation, training, and basic maintenance 10 points.
Vendors must be registered with the procurement division prior to submitting their proposal. Vendors must provide with their submittal three accounts of similar work completed in the last three 3 years.
In case of vendor default, Knox County reserves the right to procure the articles or services from other sources and hold the defaulting vendor responsible for any excess costs occasioned thereby. Should vendor default be due to a failure to perform or because of a request for a price increase, Knox County reserves the right to remove the vendor from the countys bidders list for twentyfour 24 months.
Any protest or question regarding the specifications or proposing procedures must be received in the procurement division by february 12th at 4: 30 p. m. local time.