Request for Information — Internet Services and Managed IT Services

Description

CITY OF ABILENE, KANSAS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Internet Services and Managed IT Services RFI Issue Date: October 6, 2026Response Deadline: October 30, 2026City Contact: This Request for Information is for planning and market-research purposes only. It is not a request for bids or proposals and does not obligate the City to purchase any product or service. 1. Purpose and Background The City of Abilene is evaluating its future internet connectivity and managed information technology (IT) service needs. The City’s current provider agreements expire April 24, 2027, and the City anticipates a transition to future services by that date. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from qualified providers before the City develops formal procurement specifications. Responses will help the City better understand available service models, technical options, industry practices, transition considerations, and information that should be included in future Requests for Proposals (RFPs). The City currently anticipates issuing separate RFPs for Internet Services and Managed IT Services. Respondents to this RFI may address Internet Services only, Managed IT Services only, or both. The City is seeking information and recommendations at this stage. Respondents are encouraged to identify alternatives or approaches the City should consider rather than simply confirming the City’s preliminary assumptions. 2. Procurement Objectives Through this process, the City intends to: Understand available internet, broadband, fiber, redundancy, and failover options. Understand available managed IT service models and cybersecurity capabilities. Identify appropriate service levels and performance standards for City operations. Understand equipment ownership, licensing, administrative access, lifecycle, and replacement options. Identify transition requirements and realistic implementation timelines. Develop specifications that allow future proposals to be compared fairly and consistently. Identify industry practices or technical considerations the City may not yet have identified. 3. Current Environment The information below is intended to provide respondents with a general understanding of the City’s current environment. It is preliminary and should not be treated as a complete asset inventory or final specification.