1. Network Coverage and Reliability Data service must be provided on a 4G LTE or higher network operated by one of the large national carriers, providing LTE coverage for the locations of most or all of the Mendocino County, California, Library branches: Ukiah, Willits, Laytonville, Covelo, Fort Bragg, and Point Arena. 2. Mobile Hotspots • Mobile hotspots must be durable and have 8-10 hours of battery life. • Mobile hotspots should have Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n/ac; be compatible with all major operating systems like Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, and be able to operate with many browsers including: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Mobile Safari, and more. • It is preferred that the mobile hotspots include a protective case to contain the device, USB Cable/Wall Charger, and instruction card/manual. • Devices must arrive at the Library fully activated and in “ready-to-distribute” condition. The Library will not be responsible for insertion of SIM cards. • The awarded contract will include the purchase of up to 100 hotspots over three years. Currently owned models (Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L and Reliance Orbic Speed 4G MHS RT) should be compatible with a new SIM card, as well as the management and filtering software. 3. Network-Based IP Traffic Management, Data Control, and Filtering. Filters • Filter mechanism should be managed in the cloud (e.g. not on-device or through the use of a private network utilizing Library on-premise filters). • Filtering functionality must meet the requirements of the FCC Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). • Filter functionality should allow for blocking of specific categories. Device Management • Management Controls should be a web-based application and include the ability to set multiple administrative users with specific administrative rights. • Management controls must have the ability to suspend and un-suspend a device in real time through a central portal. • Management controls must have the ability to indicate a device as lost/stolen and automatically suspend that device in real time. Reporting • Lines of service that aren't used for three consecutive months must be terminated by the vendor. Vendors must notify applicants of lines that go unused for 60 consecutive days and then allow applicants 30 days to use the hotspot before terminating the service. Vendors are also required to provide usage reports to applicants at least once per billing cycle. • Capability for administrator(s) to set and receive alerts for important events, via web-based console or via email. 4. Program Management • Data Plan • Include unlimited 4G LTE or higher broadband data. • Ideally the data plan with have no or little throttling. • Zero cost device suspension Devices must have the ability to be suspended multiple times per calendar year for a total up to six (6) months per year at no charge. While suspended, devices cannot use data service from the Library account. Devices suspended throughout a suspension period will incur zero costs. • 45 Day Setup Time Frame Devices must ship active with the ability to delay service for up to 45 days to allow for the Library to receive, process, and distribute devices before billing begins. This setup period must not count against the annual device suspension. • Program management and assistance Ideally, vendor will provide customer support staff to assist the Library personnel with all aspects of program management including, but not limited to, program training, deployment assistance, filter and data management controls, device suspension, policy violations, reporting and program analytics. 5. Billing Vendor must separately invoice FCC approved eligible expenses to Universal Service Administrative Co (USAC) via the appropriate processes and invoice the Library separately for any non-eligible expenses such as filtering and management software, if charged.
