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Liberty County schools plan phased network switch refresh; superintendent to recommend Entree Solutions

3146615 · April 29, 2025
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Summary

District staff presented a two‑phase network switch refresh using E‑Rate Category 2 funding and reported Entree Solutions as the recommended vendor for Phase 1, with a total Phase 1 cost of about $239,478 split between E‑Rate funds and local costs.

Dr. Ryan, a district technology presenter, told the Liberty County School Board that the district will refresh its network backbone in two phases to best use expiring E‑Rate funding, with Phase 1 targeted for summer 2025.

The proposal covers replacement of 47 Cisco Meraki switches and 27 uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) at Budd Quinnett, Lyman Hall, Joseph Barton and Snelson Golden. Dr. Ryan said the total Phase 1 cost is $239,478.56, with E‑Rate Category 2 paying $199,798.52 and local (noneligible) costs totaling $39,679.56.

Dr. Ryan summarized the competitive procurement and scoring: Entree Solutions (Savannah) scored highest on overall value and prior experience; Conquest Inc. scored slightly higher on one evaluation but Entree was recommended. He said, “This is for information only. At the DECCS board meeting, it will be the recommendation of the superintendent to select Entrez [Entree] Solutions to replace and install 47 Cisco Meraki switches and 27 ABC Smart UPS.”

The district said the procurement considered price (25%), technical sufficiency (20%), technical support (15%), prior experience (15%), other cost factors (10%), overall suitability (10%) and compliance with proposal instructions (5%). Dr. Ryan noted some site connections and programs (for example Pre‑K, LCCA and Horizons) are not E‑Rate eligible and will be paid fully by the district.

No formal board action was taken at the meeting; staff presented the plan for information and said a formal recommendation will be brought to the DECCS board for approval.

District staff did not present a detailed procurement contract at this meeting; they provided bidder scores and total proposed costs and said E‑Rate invoicing is expected to be handled through service provider invoicing to Entree Solutions.