According to the notice, the forthcoming request for offers (RFO) will seek vendors to provide cellular, wireless, pager and satellite services, including voice and data plans and the equipment required to support those services. The procurement will support DIR customers, including Texas state agencies and other eligible governmental entities that use TEX-AN for telecommunications services.
DIR stated that the goal of the solicitation is to provide customers with a range of wireless voice and data solutions delivered through a shared telecommunications infrastructure. Services may include cellular voice and data plans, wireless infrastructure offerings, pager services and satellite communications solutions. Equipment may be provided as part of a wireless solution, though standalone equipment sales will not be permitted under the RFO.
Successful respondents will provide services directly to participating DIR customers, which will select vendors and issue their own purchase orders under awarded contracts. DIR anticipates awarding contracts to multiple providers, allowing agencies and other eligible entities to choose from among participating vendors.
The procurement represents the first category in DIR’s broader TEX-AN strategy, which will also include future solicitations for telecom managed services and carrier-class services.
The expected schedule of events for the forthcoming RFO includes:
- RFO publication on Electronic State Business Daily on April 28
- A bidder’s conference scheduled for May 14 at 2 p.m.
- Questions due by 2 p.m. June 4
- Responses due by 2 p.m. June 18
More detailed information about pre-solicitation DIR-CPO-TXA-610, including anticipated timelines and scope details, can be found online. Janika Imafidon is the point of contact for this solicitation.
