How to bid on Pana Metro Ethernet service for DoIT

What the agency is buying

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is seeking a vendor to provide fiber-based point-to-point Metro Ethernet transport service. This service will establish wide area network (WAN) connectivity between an agency location in Pana, Illinois, and an Illinois Century Network (ICN) Point of Presence (POP) site. This is a "last mile" connectivity requirement.

Additional requirements and details are available in the RFQ Supplemental Information attachment, which is part of the solicitation documents.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Quote (RFQ) was published on August 31, 2026. All responses must be submitted by September 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. Responses received after this exact time will not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for technology firms specializing in telecommunications, network services, and fiber optic connectivity. Vendors with experience providing Metro Ethernet transport services and WAN solutions, particularly those familiar with government network requirements or the Illinois Century Network, will find this relevant. The work involves providing a specific type of network connection for a state agency.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation documents, you need to go to the bid's detail page on BidBuy, the State of Illinois procurement portal. The documents are listed there and are publicly viewable without needing to sign in.

If you wish to submit an electronic quote, you must register a free vendor account on the BidBuy portal. Alternatively, you can follow the specific submission directions provided within the bid documents. Ensure your response is submitted before the stated deadline.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the RFQ Supplemental Information attachment, as it contains additional requirements crucial for understanding the full scope of work. Ensure your proposal directly addresses all technical specifications and service level agreements (SLAs) outlined for the Metro Ethernet service.

Clearly articulate your firm's experience with similar fiber-based network deployments and your ability to meet the specified WAN connectivity needs. Pay close attention to pricing details and ensure your quote is comprehensive and competitive, covering all aspects of the requested service.