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Library opens Request for Proposal process for high-speed wide area network connection

September 24, 2025

Josephine Community Library District (JCLD) invites qualified service providers to submit proposals to provide a high-speed wide area network (WAN) connection between JCLD’s main branch at 200 NW C St., Grants Pass, OR, and its three rural branches in Illinois Valley at 209 West Palmer, Cave Junction, OR; Williams at 158 Tetherow, Williams, OR; and Wolf Creek at 102 Ruth Avenue, Wolf Creek, OR. The anticipated start date for the project is January 2026. The required 28-day posting window began September 24, 2025; the Allowable Contract Date is October 22, 2025.

The library district intends to seek financial support for the project through a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program which seeks to ensure that libraries and schools can obtain high-speed Internet access at affordable rates.

The FCC administers the Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries (commonly referred to as “E-rate”). Through E-rate, the library district is eligible for a 90 percent discount on specific Internet access services.

As part of the proposal process, the library district invites qualified service providers to submit proposals for the district’s Internet Infrastructure Project. The Request for Proposals (RFP) document is available on the RFP page of the library district’s website and on the FCC Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) portal under FCC Form 470 #260001244 (FY2026 C1 WAN and IA). Vendors must review the Form 470 record in EPC and monitor it for any addenda, questions, or clarifications related to this procurement.

Questions about the RFP must be emailed by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, October 10 to jobs@josephinelibrary.org. Proposing vendors may not communicate with any representatives of the library district regarding any RFP-related issues other than through the processes outlined in the RFP. Proposals must be submitted by email to Library Director Kate Lasky at jobs@josephinelibrary.org by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, November 21.

For more information, email info@josephinelibrary.org or call 541-476-0571.

View Request for Proposal (PDF) View Cost Proposal Worksheet

Addendum No. 1 – Vendor Questions and Answers

In accordance with the procedures outlined in the RFP, the following vendor question was received and is being published for all interested service providers. All questions were submitted in writing by the October 10, 2025 deadline and are answered below to ensure equal access to information for all bidders.

Question 1:
Would Josephine Community Library District consider going with multiple service providers? Or is this solution all or nothing? For example, if we could serve two of the locations and provide Internet access, would you consider that and have another service provider for the other locations?

Response:
Although JCLD would prefer a single provider for all of the sites listed, we understand the limitations of connectivity in rural areas. The district has a preference for a single provider who can serve all locations for simplicity and consistency of service. If a Respondent is unable to provide service to all of the sites listed, they are strongly encouraged to partner with other service providers to provide a single, unified bid which will serve all the sites. If a Respondent is unable to partner with another provider and can only serve part of the service area, the Respondent is still encouraged to bid on those sites which they can service. Bids which do not serve all sites may still be considered, but may be at a disadvantage in the bid evaluation. Bids which do not serve all sites should still include both WAN and Internet connections for the sites that are served. The pricing in each bid must be honored by the bidder whether SLC chooses to use that bidder for all sites or only a subset of the sites bid. All other terms, conditions, and submission deadlines in the original RFP remain unchanged.

View full addendum (PDF)
For the past three years, I've had the privilege of working with an exceptional team at the library. It's a place where my contributions are recognized and positively impact those we serve. The library team is filled with individuals who believe in each other and encourage everyone to utilize their strengths. Each day, I am motivated by talented, kind, and witty coworkers and volunteers who are all excited about fostering a thriving community.
Sarah Meyer, Communications Coordinator