DoIT/ICN is seeking to publish a new IFB for Last Mile and WAN Circuits related to the E-rate program. Due to the K-12 initiative in Illinois, DoIT/ICN is now a consortium applicant. This means DoIT/ICN will be applying for funding from the e-rate program on behalf of eligible schools and libraries that are connected to the ICN and sign a Letter of Agency (LOA) giving ICN the authority to collect on their behalf. Based on historical free and reduced lunch count data for K-12 schools in Illinois, DoIT/ICN can expect to be reimbursed (by the e-rate program) approximately 65% - 70% of the costs it incurs while providing last mile and WAN circuits to e-rate eligible entities. In order to get this federal funding from the e-rate program, eligible K-12 schools and libraries last mile and WAN connections must be purchased (by DoIT/ICN) from a competitive bid that is posted on the e-rate website for a specified amount of time per the rules of the e-rate program. The intent of this IFB is to solicit vendors to provide fiber based last mile and WAN circuits to e-rate eligible entities. ICN will then seek reimbursement via our yearly e-rate consortium application. - all pricing info submitted as Excel Spreadsheet in Attachments section
