Friendship Public Charter School (FPCS) is seeking proposals for Erate consulting services. The selected consultant will assist FPCS in managing its participation in the FCC Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program (Erate), including planning, application, and compliance for Category 1 and Category 2 services, as well as potential FCC cybersecurity funding programs. Services include strategic planning, application and competitive bidding support, program integrity and compliance support, and FCC cybersecurity funding support. Proposals are due by 4 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026. FPCS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities. The preferred contract type is a fixed fee contract, with a term of three years with exclusive options to renew annually, plus a potential 90-day transitional period. All costs associated with proposal preparation are the responsibility of the proposer. FPCS is exempt from federal, state, and local taxes.
The bid notice states that completed proposals must be returned by 4 PM, Friday, May 15, 2026. Late proposals will not be accepted.
The bid notice states that invoices shall be provided to FPCS in a timely manner, and the awarded proposer is required to invoice FPCS within 30 days of providing goods and/or services. FPCS will not be responsible for any interest charges and/or late fees due to delayed payment caused by inadequate, incomplete, or inaccurate information provided in invoices.
Proposers shall furnish all data pertinent to warranties or guarantees which may apply to items in the proposal. Proposers may not limit or exclude any implied warranties.
Proposals will be evaluated based on several factors, including but not limited to the cost of services, the proposer's experience and qualifications, demonstrated knowledge of the Erate program, quality of references, and overall responsiveness to the requirements of this RFP.
The proposer shall demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications in providing Erate consulting services to schools, libraries, or similar public sector organizations. The consultant must have demonstrated knowledge of FCC and USAC Erate rules and procedures, including experience supporting Category 1 and Category 2 funding requests, application preparation, PIA review responses, and compliance activities.
The bid notice mentions that failure to perform, in any sense relative to this contract, may result in the probation and/or termination of this agreement by FPCS on the basis of nonperformance. Nonperformance is defined as failure to meet and maintain all qualifications, failure to meet required operating performance standards, failure to keep and maintain all required insurance coverage, and failure to cure deficiencies within a reasonable amount of time.
The bid notice states that if a proposer cannot furnish a sample of a proposed item, where applicable, for review, or fails to satisfactorily show an ability to perform, FPCS can reject the proposal as inadequate. Demonstration units must be available for review.