Burke County GA Underground Fiber Optic Drop .pdf

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Underground Fiber Optic Drop Installation Services

Burke County, Georgia

RFP No.: RFP-2026-BB-001

RFP Issue Date: July 31, 2026

Proposal Due Date: September 2, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Questions Due: August 26, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Addendum Posted on Website: Friday, August 28, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Issued by:

Burke County Board of Commissioners

Burke County Manager's Office

PO Box 89 | 602 N. Liberty Street

Waynesboro, GA 30830

Contact: Adam Flakes | a.flakes@burkecounty-ga.gov

This document constitutes a Request for Proposals and does not commit Burke County to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Purpose and Background

1.2 Federal Compliance

1.3 Award Authority

SECTION 2: SCOPE OF WORK — STANDARD DROP INSTALLATION

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DRUG TESTING

Scope of Services

2.1 Work Order Assignment

2.2 Scheduling and Customer Contact

2.3 Utility Locates

2.4 Drop Route

2.5 Fiber Optic Termination Box Installation

2.6 GPS Documentation (Optional)

2.7 Split Riser Guard Installation

2.8 Excess Cable Storage

2.9 Materials Pickup

2.10 Customer Arrival and Communication

2.11 Burial Depth

2.12 Photographic Documentation

2.13 Work Order Closeout

2.14 Private Utility Line — Not Responsible Acknowledgment and Property Owner Damage Liability ... 9

2.14.1 Definition of Private Lines

2.14.2 Contractor's Limitation of Liability for Unmarked Private Lines

2.14.3 Contractor's Commitment to Repair

2.14.4 Property Owner's Financial Responsibility for Repair Costs

2.14.5 Customer Signature Requirement — Pre-Construction

SECTION 3: CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Minimum Qualifications

3.2 Insurance Requirements

3.3 Required Licenses

SECTION 4: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 5: PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Proposal Organization

SECTION 6: FEE SCHEDULE / PRICING MATRIX

SECTION 7: EVALUATION CRITERIA

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SECTION 8: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

8.1 Contract Award

8.2 Public Records

8.3 Conflict of Interest

8.4 Indemnification

8.5 Compliance with Laws

8.6 Non-Discrimination

8.7 E-Verify

8.8 Termination for Convenience

8.9 Subcontracting

8.10 Change Order Procedures

8.11 Dispute Resolution

8.12 Termination for Cause

8.13 Vendor Suspension / Debarment

8.14 Anti-Lobbying

8.15 General Requirements

SECTION 9: REQUIRED FORMS

FORM 1 — PROPOSER INFORMATION FORM

FORM 2 — REFERENCE SHEET

FORM 3 — CERTIFICATION OF NON-COLLUSION

FORM 4 — E-VERIFY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION

FORM 5 — CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

A. PURPOSE & AUTHORITY

FORM 6 — EQUIPMENT LIST

SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

SECTION 10: SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

10.1 Deadline

10.2 Delivery

10.3 Questions and Clarifications

10.4 Proposal Validity

10.5 Withdrawal of Proposals

APPENDIX I: PRICING SCHEDULE

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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Purpose and Background

Burke County is undertaking a major expansion of its county-wide fiber broadband network as part of its Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) program participation. This procurement seeks qualified contractor pricing for underground fiber optic drop installation services required for the County's multi-year Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) deployment.

Burke County, Georgia (hereinafter "the County") is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors.

Burke County, Georgia, acting through its designated Internet Service Provider (ISP), is hereby soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to perform underground fiber optic drop installations connecting individual customer premises to the fiber distribution network within Burke County.

This Request for Proposal ("RFP") is issued in support of broadband expansion initiatives within

Burke County, Georgia. The objective is to extend last-mile fiber optic connectivity from existing fiber distribution infrastructure — including handholes and distribution terminals — to residential and commercial customer premises throughout designated service areas.

1.2 Federal Compliance

All work performed under any resulting contract must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Where federal funding is involved, all installations, materials, and practices shall comply with the requirements of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)

Program and the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), including domestic sourcing and manufacturing requirements for materials and equipment.

1.3 Award Authority

Burke County reserves the right to award one or more contracts as a result of this solicitation, and to negotiate terms with one or more respondents as deemed in the best interest of the project.

SECTION 2: SCOPE OF WORK — STANDARD DROP INSTALLATION

The Contractor shall perform underground fiber optic drop installations in accordance with the following standard procedures. Each installation shall adhere to the sequential steps described below, and the Contractor shall ensure full compliance with every requirement at each stage of the process.

The Contractor is responsible for providing all required tools, vehicles, and test equipment to carry out the tasks listed in this RFP. All contractor personnel must adhere to the highest quality standards of customer service and workmanship. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employees' competency, conduct, courtesy, appearance, honesty, and integrity, and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to

P a g e 5 | 32 any employee as may be necessary. Burke County may request that the Contractor remove from this assignment any employee found unfit due to failure to adhere to customer service or workmanship standards.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

The Contractor shall always conduct itself in a respectful and professional manner. Profanity, lewd discussions, and any form of discrimination toward or around customers are strictly prohibited.

Failure to comply constitutes grounds for corrective actions, or even contract termination.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DRUG TESTING

The Contractor is responsible for conducting background checks on all staff. Any associated costs shall be included in the bid rates, not as a separate item. Burke County recommends that the

Contractor have in place a drug screening program where 100% of new hires are tested and periodic random testing is being used. Any associated costs shall be included in the rates submitted in response to this solicitation, not as a separate item.

Scope of Services

The selected Offeror(s) must be capable of performing tasks in the following areas:

● Provide timely residential and commercial Fiber Drop installations.

● Integrate with Burke County's ISP's Customer Service team for work order flow management and coordination.

● Provide inventory control of Burke County provided materials.

● Burying the drop fiber (plowing, trenching, or boring).

● Installing the riser guard at the residence/business.

● Installing the pot (water valve pot) for slack storage.

● Installing the Dwelling Housing (Part No. 100-01578) on the exterior of the residence.

For installations on mobile homes or steel buildings where direct wall mounting is not feasible, the Dwelling Housing shall be mounted on a 4×6 pressure-treated post with the appropriate housing assembly.

● Maintaining drop sequential records.

● Recording all materials used.

● Retrieving materials from designated storage locations.

● Locating all existing underground utilities and facilities prior to any construction activity.

This requirement includes, but is not limited to, Burke County's existing fiber optic infrastructure, which must be identified and marked before any ground-disturbing work commences.

Customer connections may include single-family residences, multi-family dwellings, and commercial entities. For residential premises, the scope of installation is limited to the exterior drop and Fiber Optic Termination Box; interior wiring is the responsibility of the ISP. For commercial premises, interior conduit and wiring requirements may vary by site and will be

P a g e 6 | 32 addressed on a per-project basis as directed by the ISP. To assist proposing firms with quoting these connections, a sequence of typical tasks for standard premises installations is provided below.

2.1 Work Order Assignment

The Contractor will receive new customer connection work orders issued by the ISP through its designated work order management system. Each work order will contain all pertinent installation details, including customer name, service address, premises type, and any special instructions or site-specific considerations (engineering design, or customer specific requests). The Contractor shall review each work order promptly upon receipt and identify any questions or conflicts prior to the scheduled installation date.

2.2 Scheduling and Customer Contact

Each work order will include a scheduled appointment time and a designated Customer Contact

Person. The Contractor shall adhere to the scheduled time window and shall not deviate from the assigned appointment without prior written authorization from the ISP. If the Contractor anticipates any delay or scheduling conflict, the ISP must be notified immediately so that the customer may be informed and the appointment rescheduled as necessary.

2.3 Utility Locates

Prior to any excavation, trenching, boring, or ground-disturbing activity, the Contractor shall contact 811 (Georgia One-Call Center) and ensure that all underground utility locates are completed and properly marked before installation begins. The Contractor shall not commence any excavation until all locate markings are in place and all applicable waiting periods have expired. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for any damage to underground utilities resulting from failure to obtain or observe utility locates.

▶ NOTE:

If The 72-Hour Waiting Period Has Expired and No Utilities Have Been Marked, The Contractor Shall Not Proceed with Any Excavation. The Contractor Shall

Contact Burke County And/or The ISP for Direction Before Commencing Any

Ground-Disturbing Work.

The Contractor shall recognize that any utilities depicted on construction drawings are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute a complete or guaranteed representation of all underground infrastructure. Burke County makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the utilities shown, and assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, or discrepancies therein. This limitation expressly includes Private Lines, as defined in Section 2.14.1, which may not appear on any construction drawing. Prior to commencing any ground-disturbing work, the Contractor is required to discuss the existence and

P a g e 7 | 32 location of all known Private Lines directly with the landowner or property owner. The Contractor shall contact the Georgia 811 One-Call agency a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours in advance of construction to request the location of all registered buried utilities. The Contractor is solely responsible for locating and avoiding all subsurface obstructions and shall bear full responsibility for all direct and indirect costs and consequences arising from any damage to utilities, whether or not such utilities were shown on construction drawings.

During performance of the Work, if Contractor hits a gas line or has reason to believe it has hit a gas line, Contractor shall immediately call 9-1-1 and make the appropriate notification.

Contractor shall keep a Utility Location Log of all telephone contacts to notify existing utilities of pending excavation. Such a log shall include date, time of day, name of individual contacted, name of agency or company contacted, telephone number, and confirmation number. If requested, the Utility Location Log shall be made available to Burke County for review.

2.4 Drop Route

The fiber drop cable shall be installed from the ISP’s assign handhole or distribution point to the customer premises. The drop route shall typically be directed to the side of the structure nearest the electric power meter, unless site conditions or customer preferences require an alternative routing approved by the ISP. The Contractor shall select the most direct and least disruptive route, avoiding driveways, sidewalks, landscaped beds, and other hardscape features where practicable. In some project areas, subdivisions, MDU, high population areas. An OptiTap-compatible connector on the network end of the preconnectorized drop cable shall be connected to the OptiTap-style terminal inside the handhole at the road. The ISP will provide proper training on this installation.

2.5 Fiber Optic Termination Box Installation

The Contractor shall install a Fiber Optic Termination Box (ONT NID housing) on the exterior wall of the customer premises. The Termination Box shall be positioned near the electric power meter or as close as practicable to the customer's existing network cables, telephone interface, or designated network entry point. Mounting shall be secure, level, and weatherproof, using appropriate fasteners for the exterior wall material (wood, masonry, vinyl siding, etc.).

A Fiber Optic Termination Box is a small enclosure located at the terminal end of the fiber where it enters the customer premises. Its primary function is to splice, secure, and protect the optical fibers connecting the incoming drop cable to the pigtail or patch cable. The Termination Box provides a protected environment for fiber management, ensures proper bend radius maintenance, and serves as the demarcation point between the ISP's outside plant network and the customer premises equipment.

2.6 GPS Documentation (Optional)

The Contractor shall GPS-record the complete route of the fiber drop from the handhole at the road, through the yard, to the Fiber Optic Termination Box on the structure. GPS data shall be captured at sufficient intervals to accurately represent the path of the buried cable, including all turns, directional changes, and transition points. All GPS data shall be recorded in a format

P a g e 8 | 32 compatible with the ISP's geographic information system (GIS) and shall meet the accuracy standards specified in Section 4 of this RFP.

2.7 Split Riser Guard Installation

The Contractor shall install a split riser guard vertically up the exterior wall from ground level to the Fiber Optic Termination Box. The riser guard shall protect the exposed fiber cable run on the building exterior from physical damage, UV exposure, and environmental hazards. The split edge of the riser guard shall be mounted facing toward the premises wall to provide total coverage. The riser guard shall be securely fastened to the wall using manufacturer-approved clamps at appropriate intervals.

2.8 Excess Cable Storage

The Contractor shall store excess drop cable in a 10-inch Round Standard Series Valve Box

(Black Box with Green Cover) at one (1) location for each installation:

● Near the customer premises: A valve box shall be installed at the base of the structure, adjacent to the riser guard. A minimum of twenty (20) feet of excess cable shall be stored within the valve box to accommodate future service, repairs, or splice work as needed.

● At the handhole at the road: Excess cable shall be stored at the distribution end of the drop inside the serving handhole. The stored cable length shall extend a minimum of eight (8) feet beyond the existing loop or cable tip within the handhole, ensuring sufficient slack for future maintenance or reconnection.

Excess cable shall be coiled neatly, taped every 4 ft with the mainline fiber cable, maintaining proper bend radius, and placed back within the valve box with the cover securely seated.

2.9 Materials Pickup

The Contractor shall pick up all materials needed for each installation from the ISP's designated warehouse prior to traveling to the job site. The Contractor is responsible for verifying the correct type and quantity of materials for each work order before departing the warehouse. Any material shortages, defects, or discrepancies shall be reported to the Burke County warehouse personnel at the time of pickup.

2.10 Customer Arrival and Communication

The Contractor's installation team must arrive at the customer location within the time window specified on the work order. Upon arrival, the team shall meet the identified Customer Contact

Person and describe the planned installation process before beginning any work. The explanation shall include the proposed cable route, the location of the Termination Box, the expected duration of the installation, and any temporary disruptions to the yard or landscaping. The Contractor shall obtain verbal acknowledgment from the Customer Contact Person before commencing work.

2.11 Burial Depth

All buried drop cable shall be installed at a depth of eight (8) to twelve (12) inches below finished grade. The Contractor shall verify burial depth at multiple points along the route and shall

P a g e 9 | 32 document compliance. In areas where rocks, roots, or other subsurface obstructions prevent achieving the minimum depth, the Contractor shall notify the ISP and document the obstruction and the actual depth achieved at that location.

2.12 Photographic Documentation

The Contractor shall take photographs of each completed fiber drop installation, documenting the full route, termination points, riser guard placement, valve box locations, and overall workmanship. Photographs shall include, at a minimum:

● The handhole and cable entry point at the road

● The cable route through the yard (overview)

● The valve box at the customer premises

● The riser guard installation on the exterior wall

● The Fiber Optic Termination Box (open and closed)

● The overall premises view showing completed installation

● Any areas of yard restoration

All photographs shall be date/time-stamped and geotagged in accordance with the quality requirements specified in Section 4.

2.13 Work Order Closeout

Upon completion of each installation, the Contractor shall close the premise installation work order in the ISP's work order management system. Closeout shall include uploading all GPS route data(optional), all required photographs, notation of any exceptions or deviations from standard procedures, and confirmation of customer acknowledgment. Work orders shall be closed within twenty-four (24) hours of installation completion as specified in Section 4.

2.14 Private Utility Line — Not Responsible Acknowledgment and Property Owner

Damage Liability

2.14.1 Definition of Private Lines

For purposes of this section, the term “Private Lines” refers to any underground lines, cables, pipes, conduit, or other buried infrastructure located on a property that is privately owned, privately installed, or otherwise not registered with the Georgia 811 One-Call Center. Because Private

Lines are not captured in the 811 locate process, they present a unique risk during underground installation activities and require proactive coordination between the Contractor and the property owner.

Private Lines include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Irrigation and sprinkler system supply lines and associated control wiring;

● Invisible fence or underground pet containment system wiring;

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● Landscape lighting wiring and other low-voltage outdoor cables;

● Private water supply lines or well lines running between a well and the structure;

● Septic system piping, septic tanks, and drain fields;

● Private gas lines running between a fuel storage tank and the structure;

● Electrical and plumbing lines serving swimming pools or hot tubs;

● Outdoor audio, speaker, or entertainment system cabling;

● Secondary electrical service lines feeding outbuildings, detached garages, sheds, or barns;

● Previously installed private telephone, cable television, or internet service lines; and

● Any other privately installed buried line, pipe, or conduit not known to or registered with

Georgia 811.

Prior to commencing any ground-disturbing work at a property, the Contractor is required to consult with the homeowner or property owner to identify, discuss, and document the existence and approximate location of any known or suspected Private Lines. This consultation shall be completed before any excavation, boring, trenching, or other subsurface work begins.

2.14.2 Contractor's Limitation of Liability for Unmarked Private Lines

The Contractor has complied with all applicable Georgia state requirements by contacting Georgia

811 and ensuring that all registered public utilities at the service address have been located and marked prior to commencing any ground-disturbing work. The Contractor takes all reasonable precautions to avoid damage to known underground infrastructure. However, the Contractor cannot be held responsible for damage to any Private Line that: (a) was not disclosed by the

Property Owner to the Contractor prior to commencement of installation; (b) was not marked, staked, or otherwise identified on the property prior to commencement of installation; and/or (c) was not registered with the Georgia 811 One-Call Center. The Contractor shall bear no liability for damage to such unmarked or undisclosed Private Lines.

2.14.3 Contractor's Commitment to Repair

Notwithstanding the limitation of liability in Section 2.14.2, the Contractor agrees to make a good-faith effort to repair any damaged Private Line discovered during or immediately following the installation process, subject to the cost responsibility provisions of Section 2.14.4.

2.14.4 Property Owner's Financial Responsibility for Repair Costs

The Property Owner acknowledges and agrees that, in the event a Private Line is damaged during the underground fiber optic drop installation due to the failure of the Property Owner to disclose, mark, or identify such Private Line prior to commencement of work, ALL costs associated with the repair or replacement of the damaged Private Line shall be the sole financial responsibility of the

Property Owner. Such costs may include contractor labor and equipment costs to excavate and repair the damaged line, cost of replacement materials, third-party specialty contractor costs (e.g., P a g e 11 | 32 irrigation technician, electrician, plumber), and any associated surface restoration costs resulting from the repair excavation.

2.14.5 Customer Signature Requirement — Pre-Construction

The Contractor SHALL obtain the Property Owner's written acknowledgment and signature on the Burke County Fiber Broadband Program "Private Utility Line — Not Responsible

Acknowledgment and Property Owner Damage Liability Agreement" BEFORE any underground installation work begins at the property. Installation shall NOT commence until a fully executed copy of this Agreement is in the Contractor's possession and uploaded to the work order management system. This signed document constitutes the Property Owner's: (a) disclosure of all known Private Lines; (b) acceptance of financial responsibility for any damage to undisclosed or unmarked Private Lines; and (c) authorization for the Contractor to proceed with underground installation.

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SECTION 3: CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Minimum Qualifications

Proposers must demonstrate that they meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications in order for their proposal to be considered responsive. Proposals that fail to demonstrate compliance with all mandatory qualifications shall be deemed non-responsive and will not be evaluated further.

● Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of documented experience performing underground cable (fiber optic drop installations or other underground cables) for electrical, telecommunications, or broadband service providers.

● Licensure: Valid Georgia contractor's license appropriate to the scope of work described herein, or demonstrated ability to obtain such license prior to contract award.

● Workforce: Adequate workforce consisting of trained fiber optic installation technicians sufficient to meet the daily installation volume and schedule requirements of the project.

● Fiber Optic Certifications: Installation personnel are preferred but not mandatory to be certified in fiber optic splicing and termination techniques by a recognized industry organization or equipment manufacturer.

● GPS Documentation: Demonstrated experience with GPS route documentation systems and the ability to capture, process, and deliver GPS data in formats compatible with standard GIS platforms.

● Utility Locate Procedures: Working knowledge of and compliance with Georgia 811

One-Call procedures and all applicable Georgia state regulations governing excavation near underground utilities.

● Equipment: Adequate vehicle fleet and equipment for underground cable installation, including but not limited to directional boring equipment, trenching machines, vibratory plows, and cable-pulling apparatus.

● Safety: Documented OSHA safety training for all field personnel and a satisfactory safety compliance record. The Contractor shall provide its Experience Modification Rate

(EMR) for the most recent three (3) years.

● References: References from at least three (3) comparable underground cable (fiber optic drop installations or other underground cables for electrical, telecommunications, or broadband services) installation projects completed within the past five (5) years, including client name, contact information, project scope, and contract value.

3.2 Insurance Requirements

Contractor must maintain the following minimum insurance coverage throughout the term of the contract and provide evidence thereof prior to contract execution. Burke County shall be named as an Additional Insured on the General Liability and Automobile Liability policies. Certificates of

Insurance naming Burke County as Additional Insured must be provided within ten (10) days of contract award.

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Coverage Type Minimum Limit

Workers' Compensation — State Statutory

Workers' Compensation — Applicable Federal Statutory

Employer's Liability $1,000,000

Comprehensive General Liability — General Aggregate (except Products- Completed Operations)

$2,000,000

Comprehensive General Liability — Products-Completed Operations Aggregate $1,000,000

Comprehensive General Liability — Personal and Advertising Injury (per person/organization)

$1,000,000

Comprehensive General Liability — Each Occurrence (Bodily Injury) $50,000

Comprehensive General Liability — Each Occurrence (Property Damage) $50,000

Excess or Umbrella Liability — General Aggregate $3,000,000

Excess or Umbrella Liability — Each Occurrence $3,000,000

Note: Certificates of Insurance shall be submitted with the Contractor's Proposal.

3.3 Required Licenses

Contractors must hold a valid, current Georgia contractor's license or applicable specialty contractor license, as appropriate to the scope of services. All licenses must be current and in good standing at the time of proposal submission and must remain current throughout the contract term.

SECTION 4: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with the following minimum performance standards and quality requirements. Failure to consistently meet these standards may constitute grounds for corrective action, liquidated damages, or contract termination.

Industry Standards: All installations shall meet or exceed industry standards for fiber optic cable handling, including manufacturer-specified minimum bend radius requirements for all cable types used. No cable shall be kinked, crushed, or subjected to tensile loads exceeding manufacturer ratings.

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Burial Depth Compliance: All buried drop cable shall be installed at a depth of eight (8) to twelve

(12) inches below finished grade as specified in Section 2.11. Random depth verification audits may be conducted by the ISP.

Riser Guard Installation: The split riser guard shall extend from ground level to a point twelve

(12) to sixteen (16) inches below the Fiber Optic Termination Box, with no gaps, loose fittings, or exposed cable between the riser guard and the Termination Box.

GPS Accuracy: GPS route data shall be accurate to within three (3) feet horizontal at all recorded points. Data shall be delivered in a format acceptable to the ISP's GIS system.

Photographic Standards: All photographs shall be date/time-stamped and geotagged with location coordinates. Photographs shall be of sufficient resolution and clarity to clearly document the quality of workmanship and compliance with installation specifications.

Site Restoration: The Contractor shall restore all disturbed lawn, landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscape to pre-installation condition. Restoration shall include re-grading, seeding or sodding (as appropriate to match existing ground cover), and replacement of any damaged hardscape materials.

Customer Satisfaction: The Contractor shall leave the customer premises clean and, in the condition, found prior to the installation. All construction debris, spoil material, cable remnants, and packaging shall be removed from the site upon completion.

Schedule Adherence: The Contractor's installation team shall arrive at the customer premises within the scheduled appointment window as specified on the work order. Repeated failures to meet scheduled appointment times will be documented and may affect the Contractor's performance evaluation.

Work Order Closeout: All work orders shall be closed in the ISP's work order management system within twenty-four (24) hours of installation completion, including the upload of all required

GPS data(optional), photographs, and completion notes.

SECTION 5: PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Proposal Organization

Proposals must be organized, indexed, and submitted with clearly labeled tabs or sections as described below. Proposals that are not organized in accordance with this structure may be deemed non-responsive at the County's sole discretion. All materials must be written in English, clearly legible, and signed by an authorized representative of the Proposer.

Tab A – Cover Letter: Submitted on the Proposer's official company letterhead, signed by an individual authorized to legally bind the company. The cover letter must identify the Proposer's full legal name, address, contact information, and a brief statement of interest and qualifications.

The letter must acknowledge receipt of any and all addenda issued for this RFP.

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Tab B – Company Qualifications and Experience: A narrative description of the Proposer's company history, size, organizational structure, and relevant experience. Include a summary of underground fiber optic drop installation contracts of similar scope completed within the last five

(5) years, including client name, location, number of drops installed, and contract value. Identify key personnel and their relevant experience.

Tab C – Fiber Optic Certifications and License Documentation: Current, legible copies of all applicable fiber optic certifications for proposed installation personnel, Georgia contractor's license, and any other professional credentials relevant to this scope of work.

Tab D – Technician Certifications and Resumes: Current resumes for all key technicians proposed to perform work under this contract. Copies of all applicable certifications (fiber optic splicing/termination, OSHA safety training, GPS documentation, and any other relevant certifications) must be included for each proposed technician.

Tab E – Proposed Installation Approach and Schedule: A detailed narrative describing the

Proposer's approach to performing underground fiber optic drop installations as described in

Section 2, including workflow for work order management, utility locating, GPS documentation, quality assurance, and customer communication. Include an estimated daily and weekly installation capacity and proposed mobilization timeline.

Tab F – Fee Schedule (Pricing Matrix): Completed Pricing Matrix as described in Section 6 of this RFP. All prices must be firm for the initial contract term. Include the completed Appendix I

Pricing Schedule in Excel format (also on USB drive).

Tab G – References: A minimum of three (3) completed reference sheets (Form 2) as described in Section 9 of this RFP. References must meet the requirements described in Section 3.1.

Tab H – Certificate of Insurance: Current ACORD Certificate(s) of Insurance demonstrating the minimum coverage levels required in Section 3.2. Burke County shall be listed as Certificate

Holder. Proposer may provide a letter of intent from their insurance carrier to issue the required certificates upon contract award if current certificates do not yet reflect required coverage levels.

Tab I – Required Forms: All completed and signed Required Forms as set forth in Section 9 of this RFP: Form 1 (Proposer Information Form), Form 2 (Reference Sheet), Form 3 (Certification of Non-Collusion), Form 4 (E-Verify Compliance Certification), Form 5 (Equipment List), plus the

Suspension and Debarment Certification.

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SECTION 6: FEE SCHEDULE / PRICING MATRIX

All Proposers must complete the Pricing Matrix below in full. Leave no blanks. If a line item does not apply, enter "N/A" and provide a brief explanation. The County reserves the right to negotiate pricing with one or more Proposers. Prices submitted shall be firm for the initial contract term. The full Appendix I Pricing Schedule must also be submitted in Excel format on the USB drive included with the proposal.

PRICING MATRIX — UNDERGROUND FIBER OPTIC DROP INSTALLATION SERVICES

Company Name: _______________________________________________

RFP No.: RFP-2026-BB-001

Item No.

Description Unit Unit Price

Notes

CATEGORY 1 — STANDARD INSTALLATION SERVICES (Per Drop, All-Inclusive, Turn- Key)

NOTE: The County will provide all materials. The Contractor shall provide labor and site restoration only.

1.1 Standard Residential Drop — 0

to 100 Linear Feet (From handhole at road to side of house).

Each $______ Labor, materials, restoration included

1.2 Standard Residential Drop

Over 100 FT (From handhole at road to side of house).

Foot $______ Labor, materials, restoration included

1.3 Valve Box Installation Each $______ Labor, materials, restoration included

1.4 Riser guard installation Each $______ Labor, materials, restoration included

1.5 Fiber Optic Dwelling Housing

Termination Box

Each $______ Labor, materials, restoration included

1.6 4×6x8; 30-inch depth pressure-treated post installation

Each $______ Labor, materials, restoration included

1.7 Commercial installation will be

based on design build

Each $__N/A_ T&M rate including restoration County approval required

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Description Unit Unit Price

Notes

CATEGORY 2 — OPTIONAL / SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES

2.1 Pavement / Driveway Crossing

Surcharge

Each $______ Per crossing

2.2 Rocky Soil / Hard Formation

Surcharge

Linear Foot

$______ When encountered; ISP approval required

2.3 Weekend / After-Hours

Premium

Hour $______ With prior County/ISP approval only

2.4 GPS Route Documentation and

GIS Delivery

Each $______ Per completed drop

2.5 As-Built Documentation

Preparation

Each $______ Per completed drop

2.6 Utility Conflict Resolution Hour $______ T&M with County approval

2.7 Site Restoration — Seeding /

Sodding

Square Foot

$______ Above standard restoration

2.8 Additional Valve Box

Installation

Each $______ Beyond standard per drop

2.9 Project Management /

Reporting Services

Month $______ Progress reports, scheduling

2.10 Install 17"×30"×24" Handhole, including seeding and straw

Each $______ Seed and straw provided by Contractor

2.11 Install 24"×36"×24" Handhole, including seeding and straw

Each $______ Seed and straw provided by Contractor

2.12 Install 30"×48"×30" Handhole

w/ Split Lid, including seeding and straw

Each $______ Seed and straw provided by Contractor

2.13 Install 36"×60"×36" Handhole

w/ Split Lid, including seeding and straw

Each $______ Seed and straw provided by Contractor

2.21 Install Marker Post (Part No.

BM53PT)

Each $______ County will provide marker post; Contractor to provide labor only

2.22 Install Duct — 1-Way, Part No.

BM60-1 (1.25")

Linear Foot

$______ County will provide duct;

Contractor to provide labor only

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Description Unit Unit Price

Notes

2.23 Install Duct — 2-Way, Part No.

BM60-2 (1.25")

Linear Foot

$______ County will provide duct;

Contractor to provide labor only

2.24 Install Duct — 3-Way, Part No.

BM60-3 (1.25")

Linear Foot

$______ County will provide duct;

Contractor to provide labor only

CATEGORY 3 — OPTIONAL / LABOR RATES (Time and Materials, when authorized)

3.1 Project Manager Hour $______ Per diem if applicable

3.2 Field Superintendent Hour $______ —

3.3 Fiber Splicing Technician Hour $______ Certified required

3.4 Equipment Operator

(Directional Bore)

Hour $______ —

3.5 General Laborer / Groundsman Hour $______ Davis-Bacon wage applies

3.6 Survey / Locating Technician Hour $______ Prior to each bore

3.7 Traffic Control Flagger Hour $______ ATSSA certified

CATEGORY 4 — OPTIONAL / EQUIPMENT RATES (Time and Materials, when authorized)

4.1 Directional Boring Machine

(Small, under 50 ft)

Day $______ Mobilization included

4.2 Directional Boring Machine

(Large, 50–500 ft)

Day $______ Mobilization included

4.3 Vibratory Plow Day $______ —

4.4 Vacuum Excavation / Hydrovac

Unit

Day $______ —

4.5 Mini-Excavator / Trencher Day $______ —

4.6 Service Truck / Utility Van Day $______ Per vehicle

CATEGORY 5 — OPTIONAL / SPLICING SERVICES

5.1 HO-1 - Fusion Splice, Single-

Mode Fiber

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.2 HO-1R - Fusion Splice, Single-

Mode Fiber, Ribbon Fiber Method

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

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Description Unit Unit Price

Notes

5.3 CO-6 - Buried Fiber Optic

Splice Closure, 24-fiber capacity

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.4 CO-7 - Buried Fiber Optic

Splice Closure, 48-fiber capacity

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.5 CO-8 - Buried Fiber Optic

Splice Closure, 96-fiber capacity

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.6 CO-9 - Buried Fiber Optic

Splice Closure, 144-fiber capacity

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.7 CO-10 - Buried Fiber Optic

Splice Closure, 288-fiber capacity

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.8 CO-11 - Buried Fiber Optic

Splice Closure, 432-fiber capacity

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.9 TR-1 - OTDR Test, Single-

Mode Fiber, per fiber (both directions)

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.10 Fiber Optic Splice Closure

reentry

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.11 Fiber Organizer/Tray

Installation, per tray

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.12 Fiber Cable Preparation

(fiber/ribbon identification, stripping, cleaning), per closure

Each $______ RUS Bul. 1753F-401 / PC-2

— Form 515 Sec. 1

5.13 Proposer Enter other units not

included above

5.14 Proposer Enter other units not

included above

Authorized Signature:

Printed Name:

Title:

Date:

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Notes / Assumptions:

SECTION 7: EVALUATION CRITERIA

All responsive proposals received by the deadline will be evaluated by a County Evaluation

Committee composed of representatives from Burke County staff and other relevant County departments. The County reserves the right to request oral presentations or additional information from one or more Proposers prior to making a final award recommendation.

Evaluation Criterion Maximum Points

Technical Approach and Methodology (quality of installation plan, GPS documentation, QA/QC plan)

Company Experience and Qualifications (years in business, comparable project history, workforce capacity)

Key Personnel Qualifications (Project Manager, Superintendent, fiber certifications, OSHA compliance)

Pricing / Fee Schedule (competitiveness and completeness of pricing matrix) 50

References and Past Performance (quality and relevance of reference projects) 15

BEAD / BABA Compliance Plan (domestic sourcing documentation, Davis-Bacon compliance)

TOTAL 100

The highest-scoring proposal(s) will be selected for contract negotiation. Burke County is not obligated to select the lowest-priced proposal and reserves the right to award based on the best overall value to the project. The County reserves the right to award the contract to the Proposer whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to Burke County, considering all evaluation criteria. The County also reserves the right to award to multiple vendors, to not award the contract if no responsive proposals are received, or to re-issue this RFP.

SECTION 8: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

8.1 Contract Award

P a g e 21 | 32

The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP, to waive informalities or irregularities in any proposal, to negotiate with one or more Proposers, and to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to Burke County in its sole discretion. The

County is not obligated to award a contract as a result of this solicitation. Award of a contract is subject to availability of appropriated funds and approval by the Burke County Board of

Commissioners, as required by applicable Georgia law.

8.2 Public Records

All proposals submitted in response to this RFP are public records subject to disclosure under the

Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) upon contract award or, if no award is made, at the conclusion of the procurement process. Proposers are advised not to include trade secret or proprietary information in their proposals unless clearly marked and legally protected.

The County makes no representation that it will maintain the confidentiality of any information submitted, and submission of a proposal constitutes acknowledgment of this provision.

8.3 Conflict of Interest

All Proposers are required to disclose, in writing as part of the proposal submission, any known or potential conflict of interest between the Proposer's firm (including its officers, directors, employees, and subcontractors) and any Burke County employee, elected official, or appointed official. Failure to disclose a known conflict of interest may result in disqualification of the proposal or termination of any resulting contract.

8.4 Indemnification

The Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Burke County, its Board of

Commissioners, officers, employees, agents, and authorized representatives from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, proceedings, losses, costs, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or resulting from the Contractor's performance of services under the contract, including any acts or omissions of the Contractor, its employees, subcontractors, or agents. This indemnification obligation shall survive the expiration or termination of the contract.

8.5 Compliance with Laws

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, codes, and standards in the performance of services under the resulting contract, including but not limited to: OSHA Standards (29 CFR Part 1910 and 1926), EPA regulations, Georgia contractor licensing requirements, Georgia 811 One-Call requirements (O.C.G.A. § 25-

9-1 et seq.), and all applicable Georgia Department of Labor requirements. Where federal funding is involved, all work shall comply with BEAD Program requirements and the Build America, Buy

America Act (BABA).

Davis-Bacon Reporting: All laborers and mechanics employed on federally funded portions of this project shall be paid wages at rates not less than those contained in the applicable wage determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Contractor shall submit certified payrolls weekly and maintain payroll records for three (3) years following project completion.

P a g e 22 | 32

8.6 Non-Discrimination

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990; Executive Order 11246; and all other applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws.

8.7 E-Verify

Pursuant to the Georgia SAVE Act (O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91), the Contractor shall comply with the requirement to use E-Verify to verify the work authorization of all newly hired employees in

Georgia throughout the term of the contract. The Contractor shall also require all subcontractors performing work under the contract to comply with E-Verify requirements. Compliance certification is required via Form 4 in Section 9.

8.8 Termination for Convenience

Burke County reserves the right to terminate the contract for convenience upon thirty (30) calendar days written notice to the Contractor. In the event of termination for convenience, the

Contractor shall be compensated for all services satisfactorily performed and accepted prior to the effective date of termination, at the unit prices established in the approved Fee Schedule. No compensation shall be paid for anticipated profits on work not yet performed.

8.9 Subcontracting

The Contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the services to be performed under the resulting contract without prior written approval from the County. Any approved subcontractors must meet all qualification requirements applicable to the Contractor under Section 3, including licensing, certification, and insurance requirements. The Contractor remains fully responsible for the performance of any approved subcontractor.

8.10 Change Order Procedures

Any changes to the scope of work, specifications, or contract terms must be authorized through a written change order executed by both parties. No work outside the approved scope shall be performed without prior written authorization. Change orders shall specify the nature of the change, the impact on pricing and schedule, and the approval of both parties.

8.11 Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising under or related to the contract, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful, the parties shall submit the dispute to mediation before a mutually agreed-upon mediator. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia in the courts of Burke County, Georgia.

8.12 Termination for Cause

The County may terminate the contract for cause if the Contractor fails to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, subject to written notice and a reasonable cure period.

P a g e 23 | 32

8.13 Vendor Suspension / Debarment

Per 2 CFR Part 180 and 2 CFR 200.214, award will not be made to any vendor that is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in covered transactions. A completed Suspension and Debarment Certification Form is required (see Section 9).

8.14 Anti-Lobbying

By submitting a proposal, the Contractor certifies that it has not paid and will not pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence a federal officer or employee, a Member of Congress, or an officer or employee of Congress in connection with obtaining any federal contract or grant. An Anti-Lobbying Certification is required where federal funds are involved.

8.15 General Requirements

● Late proposals will not be accepted.

● Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at the next scheduled bid opening following the due date.

● Burke County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, waive informalities or technicalities, and accept the proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the County.

● The successful bidder must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

SECTION 9: REQUIRED FORMS

The following forms must be completed in their entirety, signed, and dated by an authorized representative of the Proposer. All required forms must be included in Tab I of the proposal submission. Incomplete forms may render a proposal non-responsive.

FORM 1 — PROPOSER INFORMATION FORM

(Complete all fields. Attach additional pages if necessary. This form must be signed by an individual authorized to legally bind the Proposer.)

Legal Name of Firm:

DBA (if applicable):

Principal Place of Business Address:

P a g e 24 | 32

Legal Name of Firm:

City, State, ZIP:

Mailing Address (if different):

Primary Contact Name:

Title:

Phone:

Email:

Federal Tax ID Number:

Georgia Contractor License No.:

Years in Business:

Form of Organization: ☐ Corporation ☐ LLC ☐ Partnership ☐ Sole Proprietor

☐ Other: ___________

E-Verify Company ID No.:

E-Verify Enrollment Date:

Authorized Signature: _______________________________________________

Printed Name and Title: _____________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

FORM 2 — REFERENCE SHEET

(Provide a minimum of three (3) references. Copy this form if additional pages are needed.)

Reference #1

Client / Agency Name:

Contact Name and Title:

Phone:

Email:

P a g e 25 | 32

Project Name and Location:

Project Scope (brief description):

Number of Drops Installed:

Contract Value: $

Date of Completion:

Reference #2

Phone:

Email:

Project Name and Location:

Project Scope (brief description):

Number of Drops Installed:

Reference #3

Phone:

Email:

Project Name and Location:

Project Scope (brief description):

Number of Drops Installed:

P a g e 26 | 32

FORM 3 — CERTIFICATION OF NON-COLLUSION

The undersigned hereby certifies, under penalty of perjury, that:

1. The proposal submitted herewith has been arrived at independently and has been submitted without collusion with, and without any agreement, understanding, or planned common course of action with, any other Proposer or competitor designed to limit independent competition.

2. The contents of the proposal have not been communicated by the undersigned, nor by its employees or agents, to any person not an employee or agent of the Proposer and will not be communicated to any such persons prior to the official opening of the proposals.

3. No attempt has been made, or will be made, to induce any other…