Attachment 1 Scope of Project.docx

ATTACHMENT 1: SCOPE OF PROJECT

1.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW

Montana PBS seeks proposals from qualified technical systems integrators to provide design, integration, and implementation services to modernize its Network Operations Center (NOC) in Bozeman, Montana. The project will include new routers, racks, patch panels and other associated equipment. The solution must be implemented without on-air downtime. The project involves upgrading and reorganizing the NOC infrastructure to ensure reliability and scalability while maintaining on-air functionality.

Montana PBS operates a statewide public broadcasting network delivering multiple broadcast services, streaming, and on-demand digital content. The NOC is the central hub for these operations.

Montana PBS operates six licensed call letter stations (KUSM-TV, Bozeman; KUFM-TV, Missoula; KBGS-TV, Billings; KUGF-TV, Great Falls; KUHM-TV, Helena; KUKL-TV, Kalispell) and additional translator and low-power facilities. Montana PBS also serves independent translators, cable systems, and direct broadcast satellite providers, throughout the Montana designated market areas. Montana PBS delivers five broadcast program streams, originating from the NOC.

1.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS

All existing conditions should be independently verified. Any discrepancies, conflicts, or omissions should be communicated to the Procurement Officer promptly upon discovery.

Removal of existing legacy equipment is to be coordinated with the University. Equipment removal will require a clear sequencing strategy to ensure equipment is removed at appropriate times. Some equipment can be removed at the start of the project. Some equipment cannot be removed until the fully commissioned integration of new equipment is complete.

STATEMENT OF WORK

The Awarded Offeror will provide a turnkey solution including removal of legacy equipment, installation of new equipment (racks, routers, patch panels, etc.) and integration of owner-furnished equipment. The scope includes all cabling, labeling, testing, and commissioning. The integrator will fundamentally rearrange and rebuild the existing NOC rack room and master control space with integrations in other areas.

Montana PBS must maintain On-Air functionality throughout the entire project. System cut-over and other critical tasks to be coordinated with owner.

See the attachments for full scope of work:

1. Reference Materials

2. Equipment Schedules

3. Photos Project Spaces

NOC (Network Operations Center)

· 24/7 PBS Affiliate operations center. Includes Master Control, core and ancillary equipment related to broadcast transmission and live production systems.

· Dedicated UPS and Generator backup power.

· Dedicated Cooling Systems.

Master Control Operations Room

· Master control operator stations immediately adjacent to the NOC. Primary function for network operations to be run from this space with direct connections to NOC systems.

Studio A

· Primary live broadcast and recording studio that services Montana PBS functions. Core cabling for SDI, Analog Audio, Network, Sync and Camera infrastructure originates within the studio and interconnects with the NOC.

· All existing systems are to remain and be re-connected Production Control Room 1

· Primary production control room for Studio A productions and ESPN+ Broadcasts across campus. All existing systems are to remain and be re-connected.

· New equipment purchases related to PCR 1 space are to be fully integrated, tested and made operational by the integrator.

Production Control Room 2 (planned)

· Additional production control room for Studio A, Classroom, Insert Studio and ESPN+ Broadcast.

Production Control Room 2 (planned)

· Tertiary production control room for smaller facility and campus production requirements.

1.2 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

1.2.1 Mandatory Requirements

Provide systems integration and installation services to rearrange and re-build the existing (NOC) Network Operations Center rack room and master control space of Montana PBS and complete other integrations consistent with all RFP documents. The project will include but is not limited to:

New Equipment Racks

· To be coordinated with raised flooring in the existing space

· Power distribution

· Cable management

· Cable chases

· Rack bases

· Rear rack LED utility vertical strip lighting

· Rear doors

· Vent tops and side panels.

New Broadcast Systems Multi-Format Baseband (3G) Router

· - sized appropriately for existing operations and future growth

· include all cabling for new and existing equipment complement, patch fields, DAs, sync distribution, etc.

· Full 10-year manufacturer warranty for parts and services on core routing equipment.

Multi-view Monitoring System

· Fed from the broadcast systems multi-format baseband router

· For master control and production functionality New System Master Clock

· With redundant system components

· With automatic changeover New Production Equipment

· Purchase and integration

· See supplemental documents Owner Furnished Equipment Integration

· System integration within contractor provided racks

· Connectivity to/from the new broadcast router to include but not limited to:

· Automation/master control system

· Studio camera systems

· Field production camera systems (Sports)

· Field production connectivity

· Studio connectivity (bulkhead connections, panels, monitoring, recorders, control systems, audio, intercom, etc.)

· Existing control room connectivity (panels, patch fields, monitoring, recorders, control systems, audio, intercom, switcher, replay, KVM, etc.)

· Frame syncs

· Production character generators

· Production switcher frames

· Production Replay systems

· Media servers (SANs)

· Intercom system

· Network switches

· Facility Fiber

· Archival system

· Transmission headend equipment

· Captioning devices

· 5.1 audio processing equipment

· Card Frames

1.2.2 Technical Requirements

Compliance with NFPA, ADA, SMPTE, AVIXA, ITU standards, NCTA, SMPTE, Montana PBS Owner Standards, and all other relevant codes is mandatory and the responsibility of the service provider. Refer to NFPA 72, NFPA 101, IBC, SMPTE BT.709-6, BT.2020, and AVIXA F501.01 and F502.01, among others.

1.3 Project Process and Coordination –

The project process requires exceptional communication and collaboration with Montana PBS, its advisors, its consultants, and others. Meetings will be required throughout the process to ensure coordination.

This RFP and referenced documents are developed to the extent required to properly convey design intent, signal flow, and system infrastructure. The Awarded Offeror will:

· Provide all labor, materials, equipment, necessary tools, test equipment, hoisting, transportation, supervision and coordination necessary to complete the installation

· Provide a complete, turnkey system, tested and ready for acceptance testing.

· Supply any additional equipment required to provide a complete working system.

· Provide minor accessories, such as power supplies, connectors, adapters, converters, matching devices and equipment items needed for a complete system, even if not specifically mentioned herein, without claim for additional payment.

· Provide on-site manufacturer commissioning and training associated with major system components.

In any instances of conflict or confusion within the project scope or documentation, the Offeror must seek clarification from the Procurement Officer.

This RFP is NOT intended to include or imply all items required for the final design and implementation. The final design will be collaborative between the Awarded Offeror, the consultant and the University.

Deliverables and Documentation Deliverables related to the project will include but are not limited to: as-built drawings, project manual, quick start guides, software licenses, spares inventory, warranty documentation, training materials, commissioning reports, acceptance test results, and OTDR fiber test reports.

Warranty Awarded Offeror shall warrant the equipment, installation, and integration of the full scope of work to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for no less than one year after the date of substantial completion. Defects occurring in labor or materials within the one-year warranty shall be rectified by replacement or repair.

University furnished equipment is excluded from the warranty, but terminations, wire, and integrations related to University furnished equipment are within the Awarded Offeror’s responsibility. University furnished equipment in good working order at the start of work shall be maintained in good working order. Damage to University furnished equipment is the responsibility of the Awarded Offeror.

Within the warranty period, provide answer to service calls and requests for information within a 24-hour period, and repair or replace any faulty item within a 72-hour period without charge, including parts and labor.

The project warranty shall not void specific warranties issued by manufacturers for greater periods of time. Nor shall it void any rights guaranteed to the owner by law.

A table of all equipment warranties, including all start and end dates and coverage levels shall be provided to the owner. Include the company, representative, and contact information for all warranty service.

A final site visit shall be conducted by the Awarded Offeror before the end of the warranty period to ensure proper functioning of the full scope of work.

Project Schedule Anticipated Award: April 2026 On-Site Start: May 18, 2026 Substantial Completion: August 3, 2026 Proposal Submissions Offerors shall submit responses consistent with the following requirements.

General

· Maximum page size = 8.5” x 11”

· Maximum number of pages = 30

· Submit by PDF only (no other file types accepted) Financial Stability

· Demonstrate insurability and bonding capacity consistent with the cost proposal value

· In the last five years, have you (if you answer “yes,” provide full explanation):

· Had an Owner claim against your Performance Bond?

· Been declared in default and/or terminated on a project?

· Been assessed damages for delay in delivery of project?

· Taken legal action, filed liens, or had dispute resolution proceedings of any kind against an Owner for anything other than non-payment for accepted work?

Company Profile

· History

· Number of employees

· Years of experience with projects and equipment similar to those specified

· Services provided by the company

· Equipment brands represented by the company (full line sheet)

· Show sales and/or service authorization

· Assembly & fabrication capabilities

· Testing capabilities Project Team

· Resumes of key personnel

· Project staffing assignments (position, title, role, and time allocation)

· Disclosure of any and all subcontractors intended to be used including:

· Subcontractor firm

· Key personnel (consistent with above)

· Statement of qualifications

· Scope of work assigned for the project

· History of working relationship between the firms Relevant Projects

· Include the following for three jobs of similar magnitude, completed within the last 5 years

· Project name

· Scope of services

· Year completed

· Owner contact information

· References may be contacted as deemed necessary by the owner

· Site visits to relevant projects may be organized by the owner for inspection of work as part of the RFP review process Documentation

· Sample set of shop drawings (excluded from page count, separate file)

· Sample set of as-built documents (excluded from page count, separate file) Cost Proposal

· Total contract price

· Itemized equipment list with unit pricing (match Appendix A)

· Schedule of values for non-equipment costs (e.g. hours and rates)

· Engineering and documentation

· On site coordination meetings and supervision

· In shop fabrication and assembly

· On site fabrication, assembly, and installation

· On site verification and testing

· Integrator tests and adjustments

· Manufacturer commissioning, training, and event support

· Travel, lodging, and logistics

· Method of adjustment (maximum markup percentage on any change orders) Schedule Proposal Critical path schedule demonstrating major milestones

· Show in tabular and Gantt formats Major milestones to include at a minimum

· Design coordination

· Show drawing submittal

· Procurement

· Fabrication

· Shipping

· Installation

· Demolition/decommissioning

· Commissioning

· Testing

· Training Substitutions

· All requests for substitutions shall be submitted to Q&A Board of the RFP no later than 10 business days before the RFP closes.

· Any proposed substitution must meet all specifications of the specified equipment.

· Any substitution shall be submitted with submittal documentation demonstrating the product is equivalent to the specification

· University retains the right to reject any proposed substitution.