2026_2029 Low Voltage Data Cabling.pdf

REQUEST FOR BID PROPOSAL

Low Voltage Data Cabling

FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2027

FOR THE BARROW COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

The Barrow County School System Information Technology Services

179 W. Athens Street Winder, Georgia 30680

ITSbids@barrow.k12.ga.us

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR STRUCTURED CABLING

To: All Interested Vendors

Barrow County Schools is accepting proposals for annual low voltage data cabling services on an “as needed” basis.

You are invited to submit a formal, sealed proposal (bid) for installing data and voice communications cabling in the Barrow County School System in accordance with the attached General Conditions and Specifications.

All questions should be emailed to John St.Clair – ITSbids@barrow.k12.ga.us. Any modifications to the RFP based on questions and answers regarding this offering will be posted as addendums to the RFP, and made available on the web site at http://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/bids.html. Vendors are responsible for checking the web site for amendments to the RFP. Vendors should check for RFP updates prior to submitting final proposal.

Proposals will be accepted until 11:00 AM Friday, May 15th. Proposals must be submitted via email to ITSbids@barrow.k12.ga.us. Emailed proposals will only be deemed accepted for consideration upon delivery of a confirmation email from jstclair@barrow.k12.ga.us to vendor’s email indicating receipt of proposal. If vendor does not receive confirmation of receipt of proposal via email, vendor should consider proposal not to have been delivered.

Proposal emails should have a label/subject-line of “Low Voltage Data Cabling Bid.”

mailto:ITSbids@barrow.k12.ga.us http://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/bids.html

GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. Locations of Sites

The location of the work is at schools and facilities in the Barrow County School system in Barrow County, GA.

2. Insurance

Within seven days after notification of award, Vendor shall furnish to Owner a Certificate of Insurance showing compliance with the following limitations.

The Vendor agrees to comply with the provisions of Worker’s Compensation laws of the State of Georgia.

It shall be stated on every policy or certificate of insurance, as the case may be, that “The insurance company agrees that Policy No. shall not be canceled, changed, or allowed to lapse until ten (10) days after the Barrow County School System has received written notice as evidence by return receipt of registered letter, and it is agreed further that as to lapsing, such notice will not be valid if mailed more than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date shown on this policy”.

The Vendor further shall maintain such other insurance (with limits as shown below) as shall protect the Vendor and Owner from any claims for property damage or personal injury, including death, which may arise out of operations under this contract, and the Vendor shall furnish the Owner certificates and policies of such insurance as shown below.

Below is listed the insurance coverage that must be procured by the Vendor at his own expense. The Vendor agrees to follow instructions indicated in each case:

A. Owner’s Protective Liability Insurance

Protective injury, including death - limits of $250,000.00 for each person and $500,000.00 for each accident.

B. Vendor’s Public Liability Insurance

Personal injury, including death - limits of $250,000.00 for each person and $500,000.00 for each accident.

Property Damage - limits of $50,000.00 for each accident and $100,000.00 for the aggregate.

Additional Insured: The vendor shall add the Barrow County School System, its officers, employees and agents” as an additional insured under the commercial general, automobile, and contractor’s pollution liability policies.

Disposition: Certificate of Insurance of both of above must be sent to Owner prior to commencement of work.

No insurance will be acceptable unless written by a company licensed by the State Insurance Department to do business in Georgia.

3. Warranty

All parts and labor supplied under this RFP must carry a 25 year parts and labor manufacturer certified warranty.

The Vendor shall furnish a written warranty so indicating and that all defects occurring within that period shall be corrected in a timely manner at no cost to the Barrow County School System.

4. Vendor’s Qualifications

As part of the proposal, vendor must complete the attached “Statement of Vendor’s Qualification” form. Vendor may be required, before awarding of contract, to demonstrate to the complete satisfaction of the Barrow County

School System, that vendor has the necessary facilities, ability and financial resources to execute the work in a satisfactory manner; that vendor has had experience in work of the same or similar nature; and that vendor has past history and references which will assure the Barrow County School System of vendor’s qualifications for executing the work.

Vendors must submit a copy of a valid low-voltage license (Low-Voltage General, Low-Voltage Telecommunications, or Low-Voltage Unrestricted as issued by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board of Low-Voltage Contractors) of the individual(s) who will perform and/or supervise this work.

5. Specifications

Complete specification details or “cut-sheets” for all products proposed must be provided as part of the proposal package.

6. Product Substitution

No substitutions of parts or materials will be permitted without prior written consent from owner for the duration of the term of contract.

7. Indemnification

Vendor agrees to hold the Barrow County School System harmless and to indemnify the Barrow County School System from every expense, liability or payment arising out of or through injury (including death) to any person or persons or damage to property (regardless of who the owner may be of the property) of any place in which work is located arising out of or suffered through any act or omission of Vendor or subcontractor.

8. Subcontractors

The vendor may not use subcontractors for any portions of the work without prior written approval by owner.

The Barrow County School System will reject any un-authorized subcontractor without explanation or recourse by the Contractor or the subcontractor. It is unlikely that approval for subcontractors will be given.

9. Governing Law

All proposals and related documents submitted to the Barrow County School System by vendors are governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.

10. Comprehensive list of references

Vendor’s proposal shall include a detailed list of references along with contact person, dates of work, mailing address, and telephone numbers.

The Vendor must provide proof of successful installation in a minimum of two sites using Category 6 structured cabling with three hundred (300) or more active nodes installed.

11. Term of contract

This contract shall be awarded for a term of up to one calendar year, and shall expire on June 30th, 2027.

Contract may be renewed upon agreement by both parties for a maximum of two additional years. Renewals shall commence upon July 1st of the fiscal year renewed and terminate on June 30th of the fiscal year renewed.

Renewal agreement between both parties may be done in writing or via email.

This contract may not be renewed beyond June 30th, 2029.

This contract may be terminated at will by either party with written or emailed notice prior to termination date.

THIS CONTRACT IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF WORK DURING THE CONTRACT TERMS. Contract is not an agreement of exclusivity on part of owner. Owner may choose to arrange separate work agreements with other parties during the term of this contract.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

0. Materials specification

All materials used must be on approved listed in Appendix A of this RFP unless prior written approval for substitution is given. Approval will not be given for initial responses to this RFP. Approval may be considered should supply chain or other issues preclude use of pre-approved materials at time of work.

1. Testing and Certification

The contractor shall fully test at the most comprehensive test settings all work performed under this contract.

Each communication outlet tested should include the patch panel, device jack, and all cable connecting them.

Testing must include complete, unmodified cat6/cat6a (as appropriate) testing parameters, including but not limited to:

Copper testing

1. Length

2. Delay and delay skew

3. Impedance (TDR)

4. Resistance

5. Capacitance

6. Attenuation

7. Near End Cross Talk (NEXT)

8. Line Mapping

9. Return loss

10. PSNEXT (Power sum near-end cross talk loss)

11. PSELFEXT (Power sum equal level far-end cross talk loss)

12. ELFEXT Loss

Testing must be performed at maximum cable parameters, 250Mhz (Cat6) or 500Mhz (Cat6A).

Failure of vendor to provide these full test results will result in delaying of payment until full test results are provided. Test results must be provided electronically to owner.

2. Category 6 cabling

Category 6 cable consisting of four pair 23 AWG solid copper conductors insulated with a plenum-rated material shall be used for data cabling. Cable must be blue in color unless otherwise specified. Data jacks must be blue in color unless otherwise specified.

The cabling shall meet or exceed all applicable EIA/TIA/BICSI standards. Testing must be performed at 250Mhz.

Patch cables from data outlet to end-user equipment will be provided by Owner and are not required from the vendor as part of this proposal. Patch cables from patch panel to network equipment in MDF and IDF are to be provided by vendor. Vendor provided data patch cables are to be blue in color.

All face plates should be white unless otherwise specified.

3. Category 6A cabling

Category 6A cable consisting of four pair 23 AWG solid copper conductors insulated with a plenum-rated material shall be used for ceiling mounted data cabling for wireless access points. Cable must be yellow in color unless otherwise specified. Data jacks must be yellow in color unless otherwise specified. Vendor should mount data outlet in biscuit jack enclosure above ceiling.

The cabling shall meet or exceed all applicable EIA/TIA/BICSI standards. Testing must be performed at 500Mhz.

Patch cables from data outlet to end-user equipment will be provided by Owner and are not required from the vendor as part of this proposal. Patch cables from patch panel to network equipment in MDF and IDF are to be provided by vendor. Vendor provided data patch cables are to be blue in color unless otherwise specified.

4. Patch Panel Specifications

Any patch panels required shall be Category 6 or 6A modular jack panels, 24-port or multiples thereof. Patch panels provided must be fully populated. If only a portion of a new patch panel is required for a specific job, the remainder of the patch panel must be populated with appropriate jacks ready for future use, with no blank locations.

The termination hardware will be co-located on 19-inch racks or in cabinets with the owner-supplied LAN switches. The configuration of the patch panels should be in an arrangement that minimizes patch cord lengths.

Horizontal cables from the MDF/IDF to the data and voice outlets in the building shall be directly connected to punch-down style patch panels rated for cat6 or cat 6a cabling as appropriate and wired to the EIA 568B wiring standard for cat6/cat6a respectively.

Category 6 or 6a, factory-built, manufacturer-tested, blue patch cords for the patch panel to network switch connection should be provided wherever called for to match the cat6/6a standard used for cabling.

CHECKLIST FOR PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE STRUCTURED COMMUNICATIONS CABLING

IN THE BARROW COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

WINDER, GEORGIA

BIDDERS:

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST AND INCLUDE IT WITH YOUR PROPOSAL.

YOUR PROPOSAL PACKAGE MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

_____ 1. PROPOSAL CHECKLIST (This page)

_____ 2. SIGNED PROPOSAL FORM (Following page of this document)

_____ 3. PER DROP AND TIME/MATERIALS PRICING PROPOSAL

_____ 4. CATALOG PAGES AND/OR CUT SHEETS FOR ALL PROPOSED MATERIALS

_____ 5. Proposed cable TESTING and ACCEPTANCE procedures and documentation

_____ 6. WARRANTY services, procedures, conditions, and time periods.

_____ 7 STATEMENT OF VENDOR’S QUALIFICATIONS

_____ 8. LOW VOLTAGE LICENSE

_____ 9. PROOF OF INSURANCE

PROPOSAL FORM TO PROVIDE LOW VOLTAGE DATA CABLING

EMAIL TO

THE BARROW COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

JOHN St.CLAIR

ITSbids@barrow.k12.ga.us

Respectfully Submitted, Name of Firm

Address of Firm

Firm sam.gov CAGE number

Signature Telephone Number

Name and Title

Email address mailto:ITSbids@barrow.k12.ga.us

PER DROP AND TIME/MATERIALS PRICING PROPOSAL

For Purposes of this contract, there will be two different billing structures. All invoicing must be compliant with one of these two methods, or a combination of both if applicable.

1. Fixed rate line item pricing - per SOW and per drop pricing structure

2. “Time and Material rates” structure.

Fixed rate line item pricing for category 6 cabling drops (Price must include compliance with all aspects of this RFP, all parts, materials, equipment, labor, clean-up, etc.)

Cost for one drop to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for two drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for three drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for four drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for five drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for six drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Optional and if Applicable: Cost for 24-port fully populated modular patch panel $__________ Optional and if Applicable: Cost for 48-port fully populated modular patch panel $__________

Fixed rate line item pricing for category 6A cabling drops (Price must include compliance with all aspects of this RFP, all parts, materials, equipment, labor, clean-up, etc)

Cost for one drop to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for two drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for three drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for four drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for five drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Cost for six drops to one location not to exceed 328 ft. $__________ Optional and if Applicable: Cost for 24-port fully populated modular patch panel $__________ Optional and if Applicable: Cost for 48-port fully populated modular patch panel $__________

Time and Material rates (Only to be utilized when the specific project is outside the normal fixed rate per drop pricing above)

Hourly rate per person including all wages, labor taxes, insurance (including liability insurance), overhead, permits, licenses, profit and all other mark-ups and costs: $_________ per hour

Parts/material markup rates: ______%

TESTING AND WARRANTY

The vendor shall describe the appropriate product testing procedures, warranty periods, conditions, and services.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Fully define and describe the testing and acceptance procedures and documentation. Tests performed must meet requirements specified in this RFP.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

Fully explain all warranty provisions including services to be provided, service procedures, conditions, response times and time periods.

STATEMENT OF VENDOR’S QUALIFICATIONS

To accompany proposals submitted for installing data and voice communications networks in the Barrow County School System.

Name of Vendor ___________________________________________

Telephone Number ___________________________________________

Email Address ___________________________________________

Business Address of ___________________________________________ Office or Facility Which Will Service This Contract ___________________________________________

Distance from Barrow County Miles ____________ Minutes _____________ School System Board Office (179 W. Athens Street, Winder GA 30680)

When Organized? ___________________________________________

Where Organized? ___________________________________________

Partnership? _________ Corporation? __________

How many years have you been engaged in this business under the present firm name?______

Have you ever refused to sign a contract at your original bid?______

Is your company currently suspended or debarred from any government entity including but not limited to sam.gov?

(Explain if yes)

Please attach a list of major accounts in Georgia comparable to the work proposed.

If no accounts in Georgia, list other accounts.

Remarks: _________________________________________________

Attach copies of Low-Voltage License of individual(s) who will perform/supervise/design the proposed work.

APPENDIX A

Approved list of Materials

1) Network Closet

a) 2-Post Racks

i) Hoffman EDR19FM45U

ii) Chatsworth 55053-703

b) Full Sized Cabinet

i) Eaton RSV4580B

c) Wall Mount Cabinet

i) Hoffman ACCESSPLUS II EWMW242425 is typical

ii) Other sizes of Hoffman ACCESSPLUS II cabinets may be used if EWMW242425 is too small. For example, EWMW362425 or EWMW482425

d) Trailers / Mobile Units

i) Chatsworth ThinLine II 13050-712

e) Cable Runway/ Ladder Rack

i) Straight Sections – Hoffman LSS12BLK

ii) 90-Degree Horizontal E-Bend – Hoffman L90HB12BLK

iii) Curved Inside Radius Bend – Hoffman LIB12BLK

iv) Curved Outside Radius Bend – Hoffman LOB12BLK

v) Triangle Support Bracket – Hoffman LTSB12BLK

vi) Wall Angle Support – Hoffman LWASK12BLK

vii) Junction Splice – Hoffman LJSKB

viii) Rack to Runway Mounting Plate – Hoffman LRRMPBLK

ix) Butt-Splice – Hoffman LBSKB

x) Radius Drop – Hoffman LRD12BLK

xi) Vertical Wall Bracket – Hoffman LVWBB

Part numbers above are typical but may vary depending on the installation. All cable runway / ladder rack components should be black in color and 12” in width unless otherwise specified. Chatsworth equivalent part numbers may be substituted.

f) Wire Management

i) Vertical Manager for 2 Post Racks – Panduit WMPV45E

ii) Horizontal Manager / Front Only – Panduit WMPHF2E

iii) Horizontal Manager / Front & Rear – Panduit WMPH2E

g) Patch Panels

i) 24 Port Panel – Panduit NKPP24FMY

ii) 48 Port Panel – Panduit NKPP48HDY

h) Fiber Enclosures

i) Rack Mount – Panduit FRME1, FRME2, FRME3, FRME4 depending on the capacity required in the closet.

ii) Wall Mount – Panduit FWME2

Fiber enclosure shall be loaded with appropriate Panduit Fiber Adapter Panel based on fiber optic cable type and strand count. Panduit FAP6WAQDLCZ and FAP12WAQDLCZ are typical. At least one two-meter duplex-style LC<->LC OS2 patch cable should be included with each installed fiber adapter panel.

2) Cable Support and Pathways

a) Cable Tray – nVent Caddy WBT tray, fasteners, and accessories shall be used for cable tray applications. Tray and fasteners shall be sized appropriately for future growth and shall not exceed a fill rate allowed by the NEC or other applicable codes.

b) J-hooks – nVent Caddy Cablecat J-hooks shall be used to support small branch runs of horizontal and backbone cabling where cable tray is not practical, such as in classroom and office ceiling spaces. Hooks should be spaced appropriately to adequately support and distribute the cable’s weight. The manufacturer’s specifications for cable loading should be followed.

c) Surface Mount Raceway – Legrand Wiremold metallic surface raceway and metallic boxes shall be used when surface mounting is required. Surface mounting should be avoided when practical. Surface raceway shall be sized appropriately and not exceed allowable fill rate specified by the NEC or other applicable codes.

3) Horizontal Cabling

a) Category 6 Cable

i) Blue Cat6 Cable – General Cable 7131900

ii) Green Cat6 Cable – General Cable 7131906

iii) Purple Cat6 Cable – General Cable 7131909

iv) Orange Cat6 Cable – General Cable 7131905

b) Category 6a Cable

i) Yellow Cat6A Cable - General Cable 7151822

c) Keystone Jack Modules

i) Blue Cat6 – Panduit NK688MBU

ii) Green Cat6 – Panduit NK688MGR

iii) Orange Cat6 – Panduit NK688MOR

iv) Yellow Cat6A – Panduit NK6X88MYL

d) Wall Plates and Surface Boxes

i) Wall Plates - Panduit NetKey Stainless Steel Faceplates shall be used. NKF2S, NKF4S, NKF6S are typical.

ii) Biscuit Style Surface Box – Panduit NK2BXIW-A shall be used for above-ceiling locations, such as wireless access point locations, IP camera locations, Audio Enhancement amplifier locations, etc.

4) Backbone Cabling

a) Fiber optic cabling shall be used for all backbone connections between network closets.

b) Cable Type – OS2 Single Mode, plenum-rated, armored cable shall be used

c) Strand Count – 6F, 12F, and 24F are typical. See exact scope of work for expected strand count.

d) Acceptable Manufactures

i) Corning

ii) General Cable

iii) Berk-Tek