Agenda Item
f. Approval of E-Rate Category 2 Network Equipment and Security Services (District Cost Not to Exceed $513,642.16)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the purchase of E-Rate Category 2 eligible network equipment and technology services for the following:
CDWG in the amount of $961,065.68 for switches and related network hardware
ICN in the amount of $219,917.00 for internal connections and cabling
STEPCG in the amount of $579,493.08 for firewall licensing, managed services, and maintenance
Total cost not to exceed $1,760,475.76 before E-Rate reimbursement. The district cost should not exceed $513,642.16 after E-Rate reimbursement.
Why: This request will sustain reliable, secure, and high-capacity network infrastructure in support of instructional and business continuity across the DeKalb County School District. Leveraging E-Rate funding administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) allows DCSD to secure these services at a fraction of their commercial cost.
These services strengthen the district’s digital learning environment by expanding network capacity within schools, improving hard-wired connectivity in instructional and administrative spaces, and maintaining critical cybersecurity safeguards.
Details: DCSD utilizes E-Rate to extend purchasing power for eligible services and receive reimbursements on approved expenditures. For the FY26 funding cycle, DCSD applied for the following services:
Switches and Related Network Hardware
CDWG - $961,065.68 (District Cost $179,895.30)
This will increase switching capacity in schools to support the growing number of instructional devices and new data drops required for digital learning.
Internal Connections / Cabling
ICN - $219,917.00 (District Cost $34,636.55)
This will provide additional data drops and structured cabling to improve network reliability and alleviate wireless congestion in classrooms and offices.
Firewall Licensing and Managed Services
STEPCG - $579,493.08 (District Cost $299,110.31)
This includes firewall license renewals and expert managed security services for monitoring, patching, configuration updates, and network design documentation for firewalls, core switches, and wireless gateways. It also includes $62,500 in maintenance (time and materials) to be used only if troubleshooting or repairs are required.
These services collectively ensure uninterrupted access to instructional platforms, online assessments, district business systems, communication tools, and safety technologies.
Financial impact: $513,642.16 (District Cost)
SPLOST
306.2210.530000.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: July 2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
VENDOR DECISION/EVALUATION MATRIX
SCHOOL OR LIBRARY NAME: DeKalb Co. SD Date: E-rate: 2026-27
Int.
Connecti
Choose and ons or
Indicate the MIBS or
service (1 per Basic
CATEGORY 2: Matrix): Maint.: 11/20/2025
Eligible Service: →'→'→'→'→'→ Firewall License (IC)
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Total
Points
Factors Available STEP MGT
Pricing $299,798.10 $353,799.00
Price 25 25 21
Past Experience with
Vendor 20 20 18
Technical Capability,
Quality of Work, Ability
to Provide Services
Purchased, Qualified
Personnel 20 20 18
Local Preference 15 10 15
Changeover Costs 15 15 15
SPI Invoicing 5 5 5
TOTAL POINTS: 100 95 92 0 0 0 0
Winning bidder based on most points was: STEP Selection team member initials: JS
Nonresponsive bidders, if any: N/A
NOTES:
The District is awarding to Step. They were found to be the most cost-effective vendor due to their better pricing for the
same services and due to the District's postive experience in using their firewall services in the past. This is for a 1-year
license for 2 firewalls. The licenses bundle eligible and ineligible items.
**** NOTE: POINT VALUES AND FACTORS MAY BE CHANGED PER YOUR OWN CRITERIA, BUT PRICE MUST
REMAIN THE MOST HEAVILY WEIGHTED FACTOR AND THE "TOTAL POINTS" OF ALL FACTORS MUST ADD TO 100%****