Agenda Item
k. Approval of Network Cabling, Fiber Infrastructure, and Wireless Equipment Relocation Services with Integrated Communication Networks, Inc. (ICN) for Ashford Park, Champion Theme Middle School, Cross Keys High School, Idlewood Elementary School, The International Student Center, Murphey Candler Elementary School and Park Lake Administrative Building (Not to Exceed $543,114.85)
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 network cabling, fiber infrastructure, testing, repair, and wireless equipment relocation services from Integrated Communication Networks, Inc. (ICN) to support infrastructure improvements and operational readiness at Ashford Park, Champion Theme Middle School, Cross Keys High School, Idlewood Elementary School, The International Student Center, Murphey Candler Elementary School and Park Lake Administrative Building at cost not to exceed $543,114.85.
Why: Ongoing facility improvements, maintenance activities, and operational needs across multiple district locations require upgrades, repairs, and reconfiguration of existing network infrastructure to ensure continued reliability and performance of instructional, administrative, safety, and operational systems. The services provided by Integrated Communication Networks, Inc. (ICN) supports structured cabling enhancements, fiber connectivity, wireless access point relocation, and infrastructure cleanup activities necessary to maintain district technology standards and ensure uninterrupted connectivity across impacted sites.
Details: The network infrastructure scope for Ashford Park Elementary School, Champion Theme Middle School, Cross Keys High School, Idlewood Elementary School, The International Student Center, Murphey Candler Elementary School and Park Lake Administrative Building was developed in coordination with district operations, technology staff, and facility teams to address identified infrastructure needs resulting from renovations, maintenance activities, and system upgrades.
Key Services Include:
Structured Cabling Systems, Fiber Connectivity, Repairs & Testing = $367,396.07
Integrated Communication Networks, Inc. (ICN) will perform installation, replacement, repair, and testing of Category 6 and Category 6A structured cabling systems to support administrative offices, instructional spaces, and operational areas across district facilities. This includes new cabling pathways, telecommunications room buildouts, and expansion of network infrastructure to support instructional and operational environments. Work also includes installation of armored single-mode fiber connectivity between Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) locations to strengthen network backbone capacity, improve redundancy, and support scalable connectivity.
Network Infrastructure Cleanup & Cable Management = $3,625
ICN will perform ceiling cleanup and cable management activities, including dressing, supporting, and organizing low-voltage cabling across instructional and operational spaces. These services improve safety, organization, and long-term maintainability of the network infrastructure while aligning with district installation standards.
Wireless Access Point and Security Device Relocation = $26,705.70
Wireless and security device relocation services include the removal, storage, and reinstallation of wireless access points and security cameras to maintain system functionality following facility renovations and infrastructure modifications.
Labor = $74,547.01
Labor services include installation, termination, testing, certification, relocation, and configuration of structured cabling, fiber infrastructure, and wireless equipment. These services ensure all systems meet district performance standards and are fully operational upon project completion.
Contingency = $70,841.07
A contingency amount is included to address unforeseen conditions associated with renovation and infrastructure modification activities, ensuring flexibility and timely completion of all work.
Financial impact: SPLOST VI
306.2210.530000.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000 Professional Services
306.2210.561600.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000 Expendable Equipment
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs
RFP 26-703
District Wide Cabling and Equipment Services
Executive Summary
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RFP 26-703
District Wide Cabling and Equipment Services
Executive Summary
Table of Content
Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Background and Process ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Evaluation Results ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Decision Table ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
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RFP 26-703
District Wide Cabling and Equipment Services
Executive Summary
Purpose
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) sought written proposals from experienced and highly qualified
providers to deliver a comprehensive, turnkey solution for structured cabling systems and Wireless Access
Points across more than 138 schools and administrative sites within its Wide Area Network. A turnkey solution
requires the selected vendor to manage all aspects of staging, configuration, delivery, installation, setup, and
testing at designated DCSD locations, in alignment with DCSD’s scheduling requirements.
Additionally, the provider will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the cabling infrastructure and the
installation or replacement of Wireless Access Points on an as-needed basis. The awarded vendor must
ensure that the delivered cabling system is fully operational and meets all DCSD specifications prior to final
approval and sign-off. This award requires the winning provider to support the infrastructure for the following
devices district wide:
3000 Desktop Computers
98000 Student Chromebooks
11500 Staff Laptops
14,000 IP Telephones
7900 IP Cameras
8100 Wireless Access Points
Background and Process
The evaluation team was made up of four staff members in the Division of Information and Instructional
Technology (DIIT): the Deputy CIO, one represented the Network, one represented Telecommunications
Office, and one represented the Project Management Office (PMO)--RFP process facilitator.
The solicitation was written in July 2025, published in August 2025 for two weeks, evaluated in September
2025, and submitted to the Board of Education for approval in November 2025. September 16, 2025, was the
deadline for receiving responses. There were nine responses and eight were deemed responsive to the
requirements and were evaluated. Finance posted RFP 26-703 on IonWave and Champion Newspaper on
August 14, 2025. Electronic notifications were sent to 24 vendors from the DCSD Vendor Bid Lis, 626 vendors
through the State of GA Procurement Registry, and 468 vendors through IonWave.
Evaluation Results
Following a thorough evaluation of how effectively each of the eight offerors met the five key criteria, Integrated
Communications Networks (ICN) emerged as the top choice. The offerors were ranked based on total points
received, in the following order:
1. Integrated Communications Networks
2. SG Network Services, Inc.
3. Layer 3 Communications, LLC
4. Electrical Contractor Incorporated
5. Next Link Communications
6. Computacenter United States, Inc.
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7. Risk Response Team, Inc.
8. Smart Choice Technologies
The criteria and point values used to evaluate the options are listed below. The overall total point value for the
evaluation was 400 points.
Firm’s Overview – 80 points
Scope of Services – 140 points
Firm’s Relevant Experience and Expertise – 80 points
Professional References – 40 points
Cost Proposal – 60 points
Decision Table
A decision table was created showing total scores for each criterion. This table gives a complete view of all
criteria used in evaluating each response.
Conclusion
After a careful evaluation of each option, Integrated Communications Networks appears to be the best choice.
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