The District seeks a qualified vendor to design, furnish, and install a complete, E-Rate eligible SD-WAN solution. This solution will be deployed across the District's 22 schools and designated support facilities, replacing or augmenting the existing WAN architecture. The scope of this project includes all necessary hardware, software, and licensing, as well as all project management, design, staging, configuration, installation, and training services required for a successful, turn-key implementation. Proposed solutions must meet or exceed all goals and requirements listed in this RFP. While specific part numbers may be listed for reference, the District is open to equivalent substitutions that meet all minimum requirements and integrate fully with the existing network architecture (e.g., Aruba CX routing switches). TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The proposed solution must deliver a modern, secure, and flexible SD-WAN architecture. Core Solution Requirements The proposed platform must be an enterprise-grade solution that should includes: ● Next-Generation Security: Integrated security features (e.g., NGFW, IPS/IDS) to secure site-to-site and site-to-internet traffic. ● Centralized Orchestration: A single-pane-of-glass management platform for all configuration, monitoring, and reporting. ● Application-Aware Path Selection: Dynamic, policy-based traffic steering based on application performance (latency, jitter, packet loss) across multiple WAN transport types. ● Zero-Touch / Simplified Onboarding: Ability to provision and deploy new branch appliances with minimal on-site technical intervention. ● WAN Optimization & Resiliency: Support for diverse path utilization (e.g., load-sharing, policy-based failover) to ensure seamless client connectivity and reliability. ● Transport Agnostic: Natively support and manage multiple independent carrier connections and types (e.g., Metro Ethernet, Direct Internet Access, LTE, Satellite). ● SASE-Ready: A clear architecture and path toward a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model, even if not fully implemented at day one.
