The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.
5G Cellular Services at Camp Randall and the Kohl Complexes 2025-UWMSN-08001-RFP Amendment #6
Amendment #6 serves to answer the remaining questions not addressed in Amendment #5, received by proposers by March 13th, 2025.
| Question No. |
| Question |
| Response |
| 7 |
| Is the Crown contract year to year even though it has term till 2033? Does UW-MADISON have the ability to terminate at the end of each year? |
| No, the Crown Castle contract is not structured as a year-to-year agreement. No, the University does not have an automatic right to terminate it annually. However, the University has exercised its contractual right to request additional services for the target Athletics venues. When Crown Castle was unable to deliver those services within the remedy period, the University issued the current RFP in accordance with its rights under the agreement. The University now intends to work with Crown Castle to facilitate a managed transition to the new 5G NHN provider for the deployment and operation of 5G NHN services at the target Athletic venues. |
| 8 |
| When the contract with Crown is cancelled, who is responsible for removing the equipment? |
| The University does have a right to terminate the contract prior to 2033. The University intends to work with Crown Castle to facilitate a transition to the new 5G NHN provider for the target Athletic venues. As part of this transition, Crown Castle will be responsible for removing its equipment at the designated venues. |
| 12 |
| Is the underlying DAS agreement for the Stadium and Arena with the DAS operator being terminated? |
| The underlying DAS agreement for the target Athletic venues are being carved out from the Crown Castle agreement as they were not able to provide the requested services within the framework of that agreement. |
| 13 |
| Our organization is under an NDA with our equipment suppliers for pricing. If we're not able to provide full transparency pricing for equipment from our manufacturers due to contractual reasons, will we be disqualified? |
| In RFP Section 3.10, the University is requesting Proposers to detail the direct funding required by the Proposer to be paid by the University. While the Proposer is requested to provide full detail on the hardware, software, labor and services provided for the designing, deploying, installing and operating the 5G NHN system, the Proposer does not need to provide itemized (e.g., price per unit) pricing details. The Proposer still needs to provide detailed Capital Costs, Operating Expenses for all equipment, software, labor, services, etc., and any accompanying information that will assist the University in its evaluation. |
| 15 |
| What happens to the existing small cell nodes on UW campus that Crown maintains? |
| Crown Castle will continue to maintain and operate the existing small cell nodes across the broader UW–Madison campus outside the target Athletic venues, as their agreement remains in effect through 2033 unless mutually terminated earlier. |
| 16 |
| If the underlying agreement terminates, how will the university handle fiber on the campus, stadium and small cell nodes? |
| When the underlying agreement for the target Athletics venues is carved out, the University will evaluate all associated fiber routes and assets within the stadium, arena, and campus areas. For the target Athletics venues, the University intends to make its fiber network available to support the new 5G NHN system. Fiber supporting Crown’s small cell nodes outside the target venues will continue to be governed by the existing agreement unless mutually modified. |
| 17 |
| If a full rip and replace is not able to be fully constructed for the next season, would the university allow a temporary DRAN solution as an interim? |
| The University expects a permanent 5G NHN system to be deployed. If the Proposer has an interim solution that serves as a bridge to the permanent 5G NHN system, the Proposer can propose this but must explain how soon the interim solution will be replaced with a permanent 5G NHN system, and ensure the interim solution will enhance the mobile 5G coverage and capacity required for the target user experience, and that will have minimal to no impact on the overall economics and Net Value to the University. The interim, enhanced mobile 5G solution may be acceptable for the upcoming 2025 football season, as long as the Proposer clearly commits to a timely, replacement of the interim solution with a permanent system. |
| 18 |
| Since the existing head end room is full is there an option to either have another Head end room or possibly two. One in Kohl Center and the other in Camp Randall as an example? |
| During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their space requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 21 |
| What is the total AC power available at the AO headend? |
| While Athletics can provide panel amperage of electrical panels in this location. Athletics does not at the present time have info on the amperage draw of Crown Castle’s equipment. Note that the breaker feeding the equipment in this room is fed by a EM 3 Phase 208volt 100amp breaker. |
| 23 |
| Will all IDF closets have AC power that can be used? |
| While the University can provide AC power, without a complete understanding of all the equipment that would be part of a design/proposal including head-ends, switches/routers, HVAC, etc., the University cannot confirm there is sufficient capacity to provide power. Proposers are encouraged to provide the IDF closet requirements including space, power, fiber/coax necessary for their equipment in their proposal responses. |
| 24 |
| What are the requirements on backup power duration? Are these venues designated evacuation or shelter in place if power is lost? |
| There are areas of refuge within both target venues. Code requirements shall be met where necessary. |
| 34 |
| We received Amendment #3 and were surprised to see that UW-Madison does not have the ability to terminate the existing Crown Castle contract with a term ending in 2033. Is this correct? |
| Yes, the Crown Castle agreement currently extends through 2033 and does not include a unilateral early termination clause. However, the University has exercised its contractual rights under the agreement with Crown Castle to solicit 5G NHN services at the target Athletics venues from third-party providers. |
| 37 |
| Site Walk Question: Where are T-Mobile's and US Cellular BTS located? |
| Please refer to the Supplemental Materials. Based on the information, the BTS are located at the WARF location. The head ends feeding the Camp Randall complex come from Lot 17 with AT&T and Verizon. From WARF the carriers are US Cellular and T-Mobile. All MNO services enter the Camp Randall complex through Athletics Operations building basement |
| 40 |
| What is the duration of the Crown contract with the university? |
| The duration of the Crown Castle contract with the University extends through 2033. |
| 41 |
| Will the 4G assets remain in operation at the university until 2033? |
| No, upon awarding the 5G NHN services for the Athletics venues to the new vendor, the University intends to work with Crown Castle to decommission the 4G NHN assets at the designated venues prior to 2033 as part of the transition to a new 5G NHN provider. |
| 42 |
| How will the entity that wins the contract manage the Crown network? |
| The entity awarded the 5G NHN contract will not be required to manage or operate the Crown Castle network. Their responsibility will be limited to deploying and managing the new 5G NHN system at the designated venues. |
| 43 |
| If the agreement between Crown and the University remains active and is not terminated before the new DAS (Distributed Antenna System) deployment, each carrier using Crown's DAS would generally be responsible for their share of the rent owed to Crown. What provision will ensure that Carriers do not incur double costs? |
| The University intends to avoid duplicate systems at the target venues and will not support simultaneous operation of both the Crown Castle 4G NHN and the new 5G NHN system. The expectation is that MNOs will transition to the new 5G NHN system and pay rent (fees) to a single provider, avoiding any double cost obligations. |
| 44 |
| Based on the given information, the University’s contract with Crown extends until November 3, 2033, and there is no right to terminate for convenience. Crown holds exclusive rights to place a DAS on the campus. Therefore, unless there are specific conditions under which the contract can be terminated, it seems unlikely that the University plans to terminate their agreement with Crown. |
| The University has exercised its contractual right to request 5G services at the target venues. When Crown Castle was unable to fulfill this within the remedy period, the University initiated the RFP process to identify and select a new vendor to provide 5G NHN services at the target Athletic venues. |
| 45 |
| Will the University be in default of the Contract with Crown if they do not terminate, but award the exclusive DAS rights held by Crown to another party pursuant to the RFP? |
| No, the University will not be in default. The University exercised its contractual right to request additional 5G services at the venues. Crown Castle was unable to deliver these services within the contract’s remedy period, thereby allowing the University to pursue an RFP process to select an alternative 5G NHN services provider without breaching the agreement. |
| 51 |
| Will the university share a copy of the existing agreement with Crown Castle for the DAS at the athletic facilities |
| Proposers can obtain a copy of the Crown Castle agreement by filing a public records request at https://universityofwisconsin.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/ |
| 52 |
| What is the remaining term of the existing DAS agreement with Crown Castle at the athletic facilities? |
| The existing DAS agreement with Crown Castle extends through November 3, 2033. |
| 53 |
| When is the expected go-live date for the new DAS at each athletic facility? |
| The University is willing to consider proposals that start deployment and activation in a staged manner at the Camp Randall Stadium and complexes, with preference to start prior to the Fall 2025 football season and work towards a completion date for all the Athletic target venues that demonstrates the Proposer’s commitment to achieving a timely deployment. |
| 54 |
| Is mmWave frequencies expected in the green sections of the AOIs? |
| There is no explicit requirement or expectation of mmWave frequency in the green AOIs. If mmWave is the frequency of choice for a particular MNOs capacity need and this will be proposed, then that’s acceptable. |
| 55 |
| Does the university own the offsite shelters housing the carrier headend equipment? |
| See response to Question 26. |
| 56 |
| If the university owns the offsite shelters housing the carrier headend equipment, would the university be open to expanding this space as needed for additional headend equipment? |
| Proposers can identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment and are requested to indicate their headend space requirements in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer should at a minimum indicate their headend space requirements for the 5G NHN system and state connectivity needs specifying destinations, conduits, fiber, cooling and power requirements. |
| 57 |
| Is there a requirement for conduit at any or all of the facilities? |
| At the present time, the University cannot provide any details on available connectivity paths, fiber information other than what has already been provided as part of the Supplemental materials. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements in their RFP response. |
| 58 |
| Does the university own the existing conduit used for the existing DAS network? |
| Yes. All power and fiber infrastructure is owned by the University. |
| 59 |
| If no conduit required, would the available cable trays be available for use? |
| Available cable trays may be proposed for use and any installations should comply with aesthetics including Annex C in the RFP. |
| 60 |
| Is there a requirement for metal enclosures for the remote equipment not housed in telecom rooms or IDF closets? |
| Any installations should comply with aesthetics including Annex C in the RFP. |
| 61 |
| Is there a requirement for RSRP charts/plots for each facility to be included in the proposal? |
| Yes, the RSRP plots are required. |
| 62 |
| In the event the existing Crown Castle DAS agreement as remaining term, and Crown owns the DAS equipment, what are the expectations of University for proposer to remove/rip the existing DAS equipment? |
| See Response to Question 7. |
| 63 |
| Are FirstNet and/or DoD frequencies required in all facilities? |
| FirstNet and DoD frequency support is not mandated by the University, however if the participating MNOs have elected to support FirstNet or DoD frequencies then it is required that your solution complies with their requirements to facilitate MNO onboarding. |
| 64 |
| Who owns the DC servers/equipment/infrastructure feeding power to DAS remotes, and who is the manufacturer of this DC equipment? |
| Crown Castle owns and operates the DAS hardware including all the server equipment, nodes, remotes, and antennas. The University owns the electrical power and fiber infrastructure. |
| 65 |
| Can you share the Wi-Fi as-builts for all facilities? |
| Wi-Fi as-builts for the athletics complexes defined in the scope of the RFP were provided as part of the Supplemental Materials |
| 66 |
| How many strands of available fiber exist between each athletic facility and both offsite shelters housing carrier headend equipment? |
| The University currently is unable to provide the as-builts information for the fiber network between each athletic facility and the offsite shelters housing the carrier headed equipment. Supplemental Materials provided as part of the RFP did provide the information currently available to the University. |
| 67 |
| Does the university own the existing coax cable currently in-use for the DAS network? |
| The University owns the electrical power and cabling infrastructure including Coax and Fiber |
| 68 |
| Is electricity/power meter required at carrier headend equipment and DAS headend equipment? |
| Vendors must install their own dedicated electric meters so the Physical Plant (PP) Utility Department can connect to their system. If vendors choose to use power drawn from the existing meter, the Utility Department will not be able to integrate the new submeter into their system. The Utility Department will provide a single consolidated invoice that reflects the consumption readings from the existing meter. It is the vendors' responsibility to accurately assess and document any pass-through charges related to their energy usage on their end. Ideally, these meters should be separate. |
| 69 |
| Is there any material abatement needed at any facility? |
| None known at this time. |
| 70 |
| 4G is not listed in the RFP as a requirement. Is 4G included in this solution or will this be a 2.5MHz and up? (5G) The carriers will want 4G in the DAS. |
| Correct, this RFP is for 5G services based on the Bands that mandated by the MNOs. The University does not mandate the preference for sub 2.5 GHz or above for 5G. |
| 71 |
| The university is asking us to include decommission of existing 4G DAS that Crown Castle owns. Can this done without Crown approval? |
| See Response to Question 7. |
| 72 |
| Can the university specify open space for head-end and telecom gear on the floor plans? |
| During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 73 |
| Can the university supply the current iBwave for the 4G DAS so we can understand cable routing? |
| No, the University does not currently possess, nor can it provide the iBwave Indoor RF propagation and coverage plans. |
| 74 |
| Does the university plan to provide more space in the parking structure? |
| During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 75 |
| We would like to request more clarity surrounding the existing Crown contract as this could be a huge issue upon award. The previous answers stated that we “can include options to assume/acquire the current 4G NHN system contract between Crown Castle and the University.” However, if Crown refuses to relinquish/sell/terminate their existing contract, will UW force/negotiate a termination with Crown to allow the Award Recipient to begin construction immediately or long before 2033, and what would this timeline likely be? |
| See response to Question 7. |
| 76 |
| What are the makes, models, and quantities of switches and APs per venue? |
| We have 179 cisco switches |
· C3850 series – 131
· C9300 series – 48
AP’s per venue
· Camp Randall complex – 834
· Cisco 3802 versions
· Cisco 9120 versions
· Kohl Center - 294
· Cisco 9164i
· Cisco 3802 versions
· Cisco 9130axe
· Cisco 9120 versions
· LaBahn arena – 50
· Cisco 9164i
| 77 |
| What are the make and model numbers and quantities of Panel Antennas per venue? |
| As it pertains to Wi-Fi antenna’s we use either internal omni or the following: |
· Air-ant2566p4w
· Air-ant2513p4m
| 78 |
| How many controllers are currently deployed as part of the Badger Guest Network? |
| We are running a primary and backup Cisco C9800-80-K9 controller. |
| 79 |
| What is the current procedure and technology involved in providing access to the Badger Guest Network? |
| We have an SSID (BadgerWiFi) throughout our facilities both fan facing and back of house. To get access to BadgerWiFi, devices need to go through a captive portal. We are running Cisco C9800-80-K9 controllers. |
| 80 |
| Can the University further clarify the terms and scope in the existing Crown Castle contract? |
| See response to Question 7 |
| 81 |
| Can we use the open space behind the AT&T and VZW shelters in Lot 17 for the 5G NHN DAS head end? This space is currently used as storage for old/obsolete equipment. |
| There is limited space, fiber and power for 5G equipment in Lot 17. During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 82 |
| Is there available space in Lot 17 for the 5G NHN DAS head end? |
| There is limited space, fiber and power for 5G equipment in Lot 17. During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 83 |
| Is there available space in the Athletic Operations Building, Field House, or Kellner Hall for the 5G NHN DAS head end? |
| During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 84 |
| Is there available space in the new IPF Building for the 5G NHN DAS head end? |
| Please refer to the Supplemental Materials document: Camp Randall Indoor Practice Facility 22D5A-02-CD-Plans Vol 1 Abridged.pdf for information on space availability for the 5G NHN DAS head end. |
| 85 |
| Will you allow installation of DAS antennas on the roof and canopy of Camp Randall? |
| An engineering study would have to be completed to see if the structure can also support these additional antennas. Also, the aesthetics of DAS antennas on the roof/canopy will need to be evaluated by Athletics before being approved to mount and should comply with the provisions in Annex C of the RFP. |
| 86 |
| Will you allow the use of Matsing sphere antennas? |
| Yes, Matsing Antennas are allowed, as long as they are similar in dimensions and comply with the aesthetic guidelines provided in Annex C. Proposers are welcome to provide requirements with dimensions in case, the form factor of the Matsing Antennas are extremely large or require special mounting reinforcements. |
| 87 |
| Is there space available in the existing head end room at WARF for the 5G NHN head DAS end (Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena)? |
| During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 88 |
| What is the seat capacity for the field during concerts? |
| Events like Concerts and Commencement have approximately 8,000 people in attendance |
| 89 |
| Will you allow the use of Matsing sphere antennas in the catwalk? |
| Yes, Matsing Antennas are allowed, as long as they are similar in dimensions and comply with the aesthetic guidelines provided in Annex C. Proposers are welcome to provide questions with dimensions in case, the form factor of the Matsing Antennas are extremely large or require special mounting reinforcements, and also include in their proposal the need for an engineering study. |
| 90 |
| What are the terms of the Verizon oDAS (or small cell) node installed in the Kohl Center catwalk? This could disincentivize Verizon from joining a 5G NHN DAS at Kohl Center. |
| The University cannot confirm access to any active agreement governing the existing Verizon oDAS (or small cell) node installed on the catwalk in the Kohl Center. |
Verizon’s future 5G deployment in the Kohl Center would likely require new, separate nodes. The Supplemental Materials include diagrams and floor plans of the Kohl Center, including the catwalk, and should be used by Proposers to determine the sufficiency of space for 5G nodes. The University has had favorable discussions with all the mobile operators who have anticipated the need for new 5G NHN equipment at Kohl Center.
| 91 |
| Is space available in Kohl Center or LaBahn Arena for the 5G NHN head end? The existing 4G NHN DAS cannot readily support AT&T or VZW since the head end is at the WARF Building. |
| During the site walk, Proposers had an opportunity to identify potential locations for the 5G NHN DAS headend equipment. Proposers are requested to indicate their requirements and identify the locations the Proposer requires for installing the 5G NHN DAS head end in their RFP response. If specific locations cannot be detailed, the Proposer is requested to indicate their space, electrical power and other key requirements in their RFP response. |
| 92 |
| T-Mobile is in the process of acquiring US Cellular. Regulatory approval is expected mid-2025. What is the impact to US Cellular’ s DAS contract? |
| While the University is not a party to each MNO/Carrier agreement with Crown Castle and does not have a direct contractual relationship with the Mobile Network Operator, the University expects the Proposer to define how it will address any change in ownership/control of US Cellular and the resulting provision of 5G mobile services for US Cellular subscribers in the Camp Randall and Kohl Center/LaBahn Arena complexes. |
| 93 |
| Will the University allow additional DAS Antennas to be placed on the rooftops of the east and west sidelines of the stadium? |
The University considers designs/placements that comply with Annex C and which deliver upon the user experience identified in the RFP. The University requests the Proposers to provide their proposed designs and DAS antenna location options in their RFP response in order to indicate what is specifically allowed or not.
| 94 | |
| Which companies attended the site visit? | |
| AFL Enterprise Services |
American Tower
Andrew
AT&T
Comm Technology Svc/AT&T
Boingo
Boldyn Networks Higher Education
Central States Tower/CST Core, LLC
Dataline Services, Inc
Extenet
Hughes Network Systems LLC
JMA Wireless
KLA Labs, Inc
Netsync Network Solutions
Pierson Wireless Corp
SOLiD Gear, Inc
Telamon
Verizon