RIDE is limiting its request to the provision of basic conduit access to the Internet, and certain related services integral to the reaching of the public Internet. Service providers for Internet Access need not be eligible telecommunications providers, but they must be prepared to provide installation and services for the various technologies which might be deployed at the eligible districts/sites. Specific Activities / Tasks SERVICES: Internet Access services should include those necessary features associated with adequate functionality and performance. Such features could include Domain Name Service (DNS) (registration), to assist use of the standard Internet naming convention; Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), to assist with providing devices with a unique address; Firewall services; or other such services necessary for the operation of the network. Such access may include transport of digital communication using any Internet-based protocols, including encapsulation of data, video, or voice so long as this is the most cost-effective way to access the Internet. On-premise leased equipment for Internet Access may be of interest to consortium members. SECURITY: Vendor(s) must have measures in place to prevent a security breach from happening and the processes and procedures to react to a security breach that occurs via their access to the customer network infrastructure. Vendor(s) must commit to support the customer in the event of a security breach on the customer’s network to eliminate the vendor’s access or staff as relevant to the breach. SCHEDULE: Services would commence on July 1, 2026. And end date of services is to be determined by each individual school and library contracting specific services. As required by the Universal Services Administration Company (USAC), which oversees E-rate, the MPA pricing will be refreshed annually.
