RFP #2027-029 Data Transport Services for Networkmaine

The University of Maine System, acting on behalf of Networkmaine, is seeking proposals for the provision of data transport services to provide in-state transport services to approximately 900 K-20 schools, libraries, state and local governments, and research institutions that participate in Maine's research and education network, MaineREN. The resulting contract will be for an initial four (4) year term for Exhibit I sites and an initial three (3) year term for Exhibit II sites. Contracts will have four (4) optional one year renewals.

Networkmaine is a business unit of the University of Maine System ("University"). Networkmaine's intention is to provide a fiber-optic based network solution to K-20 schools, libraries, state and local governments, research, and other not-for-profit entities. [...] The scope of this project is to select data transport services for any and all K-20 schools, libraries, state and local governments, research, and other not-for-profit entities in Maine.

Services for each site will begin on either July 1, 2027 or July 1, 2028, dependent on its contracted end date for existing transport services:

• Exhibit I of Appendix C - sites with services to begin July 1, 2027
• Exhibit II of Appendix C - sites with services to begin July 1, 2028

Respondents may submit bids for Exhibit I only, Exhibit II only, or both Exhibit I and Exhibit II.

The Respondents are being asked to provide two differing types of service;

• Carrier Ethernet service to connect schools, libraries, and other entities to each other and to one or more University Points of Presence. (Dual connections to University PoPs in Orono and Portland are preferred.)
• Dark Fiber service to connect schools, libraries, and other entities to a University Point of Presence.

Respondent(s) may propose any data transport medium capable of carrying the bandwidth required for access to University regional points of presence, but fiber optics are preferred to allow for easy and rapid increases in contracted bandwidth. Note: ISP services are not required.

The University is not required to select a single provider that can meet the needs of all members; therefore, Respondents are encouraged to submit proposals for locations they can service even if they cannot provide statewide service.

**Submission:** A SIGNED virus-free electronic copy must be submitted by email to UMSResponses@maine.edu by **December 18, 2026 11:59 p.m. EST**. The email subject line must be: DATA TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR NETWORKMAINE - RFP # 2027-029. Response submissions that exceed 20 MB will be submitted with multiple emails modifying the email subject line to include: Submission 1 of X.

**Scoring:** The score will be based on a 100 point scale.

• Appendix C Cost Evaluation: 30
• Appendix D & E Master Agreement: 10
• Appendix F & G Organization, Qualifications, Experience and References: 10
• Appendix H Location Provisions: 15
• Appendix I Implementation, Support and Federal Universal Service Fund E-Rate Program Participation & Compliance: 15
• Appendix J Information Technology: 20
• Appendix K Information Technology Security: Pass/Fail

**Key dates:** Deadline for Written Inquiries/Questions: November 9, 2026. Response to Written Inquiries/Questions: November 18, 2026. Structured Evaluation Interviews with Respondents: January 18 – January 22, 2027 (subject to change). Award Announcement: February 1, 2027 (subject to change).

All responses shall be valid for ninety (90) days from the due date of the response. Respondents must complete and submit the *Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification Form* provided in Appendix B.