THIS RFP IS NOW CLOSED. AWARDED VENDORS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Overview
Interested parties are invited to submit a bid response to this Request for Proposal (RFP), and propose a general contract for the procurement, installation, and support of broadband internet connectivity, private data connectivity, cellular data connectivity, SIP services, network equipment (with or without associated warranties and licenses), and managed services for the UAMS e-Link Network (Consortium Leader) and its members (Consortium Members), a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rural Healthcare Connect Fund Consortium HCP#17206.
The Consortium Leader is applying with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), for program support funding through the Rural Healthcare Connect Fund (RHCF). This process requires an RFP to be posted on the USAC website for a minimum of 28 days allowing vendors to respond. The Consortium Leader will post this RFP beginning August 9, 2021. https://rhc.usac.org/hcf/public/searchPosted.htm
The University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Digital Health & Innovation (IDHI) is the FCC USAC designated UAMS e-Link Network Consortium Leader HCP#17206.
The Consortium Leader supervises the bidding, evaluation, and awarding of the contract(s).
The Consortium Leader is responsible for any move/add/change/install/disconnect orders, facilitation of vendor(s) USAC Form 462 (request for funding), USAC Form 463 (request for disbursement), USAC Site and Service Substitution, and ensuring appropriate monitoring throughout the contract term. Unless identified by the Consortium Leader; neither UAMS, UAMS IDHI, nor Consortium Leader will be responsible for Consortium Members’ eligible cost payments to vendor. (Refer to Section 4.0)
NOTE: Any cost identified in RFP 2023-0001 will supersede any current existing Master Service Agreements (MSA).
This RFP does not commit the Consortium Leader to pay any cost(s) incurred in the preparation of bids.
Consortium Leader reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any formalities. All Bidders must comply with the laws of Arkansas and all rules and regulations of the FCC USAC RHCF. https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/additional-program-guidance/