The state of California will refresh CALNET 3 contracts for Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Ethernet and Managed Internet Services, according to an April 7 announcement.
The invitation for bid for these verticals — Categories 3 and 5, respectively — will be released on the state's procurement website on May 6.
Incumbent bidders may submit an entirely new bid or retain their existing contracts. All business requirements, technical requirements, and terms and conditions for this contract will remain the same.
Category 3 provides and supports Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Ethernet services that "enable customers to connect physically distributed locations across a metropolitan area as if they are on the same LAN where the switching equipment is owned and maintained by the contractor," according to the state. This category currently is awarded to AT&T, CenturyLink and Integra.
Category 5 provides and supports Internet access for port- and circuit-based service that can support up to 10 Gbps. This category currently is awarded AT&T and Integra.
CALNET 3 is the state’s multibillion-dollar telecommunication procurement providing an array of products and services from pre-qualified vendors to state and local departments and agencies. The first CALNET 3 contracts were awarded in 2013.
In January the California Department of Technology reopened to bidders the continuous application process for CALNET 3 telecommunications services contracts and added a Satellite Voice Services category.
