SELCO RFP Broadband Installation.docx

SECTION A - ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

SHREWSBURY ELECTRIC LIGHT AND CABLE OPERATIONS - SELCO

Sealed bids will be received up until 10:00 A.M. (EST) on February 24, 2025 at the Town Manager’s, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for the following Public Project:

"Broadband Communication Installation Services for Single-Family Homes, MDUs, Municipal, and Commercial Properties for Digital and IP Cable Television, High-Speed Data, Telephone Installations, WIFI Router and other related telecommunication work. Work will consist of the placement of exterior drops, interior cables, and associated labor to complete the installations."

Bidders must be qualified to perform the work described in these specifications in accordance with Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 30 Section 39M.

The complete bid package may be obtained on Commbuys or email tmaddocks@shrewsburyma.gov during regular business hours. The bid must be filled out and signed as directed herein, sealed in an opaque envelope addressed to SELCO, endorsed with the name and address of the bidder, and marked:

"BROADBAND INSTALLATION SERVICES CONTRACT SELCO".

The contract period is for one (3) year. Bidders shall submit 1 original bid and 1 electronic copy “flash drive “of the bid.

A certified check or bid bond with acceptable surety in favor of SELCO and equal to at least five percent (5%) of the bid must be submitted with the bid. The successful bidder shall within ten (10) days of notification of award furnish SELCO a performance bond and labor and materials bond in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the bid.

Bids shall be prepared, considered, and the contract awarded in accordance with all statutes governing such contracts (MGL Chapter 164 and Chapter 149 as amended). Every General Bid shall be on forms furnished by SELCO. Bids submitted on other forms may be rejected. The award of the contract shall be made within 30 working days after the opening of General Bids, Saturdays, Sundays, and Legal Holidays excluded.

An award will not be made to a Contractor who is not properly equipped to undertake and complete the work. The right is reserved to waive any informality and to reject any or all bids in accordance with the provisions of MGL as amended.

The successful bidder shall be required to submit documentation that all employees to be employed in the work subject to this bid have successfully completed a course in construction safety and health approved by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration that is at least 10 hours in duration. Any employee found on a worksite subject to this section without documentation of successful completion of a course in construction safety and health approved by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration that is at least 10 hours in duration shall be subject to immediate removal.

Wages are subject to minimum wage rates under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149 Section 26 to 27D inclusive as most recently amended. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids or to accept any part of a bid or the one deemed best for SELCO.

Christopher Roy, General Manager

SECTION B - INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS

1. GENERAL 1.1 The Bid Documents which form the contract consist of the following (including all modifications thereof incorporated in any of the documents before the execution of the contract):

-Section A - Advertisement for Bids -Section B - Instruction to Bidders -Section C - General Conditions -Section D - Specifications -Section E - Contract Document and Bid Page

2. PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF BIDS

A Bidder who desires to submit a Bid for the task contemplated in the Advertisement (Section A) shall thoroughly review and be familiar with the Specifications and Contract Documents and site conditions before submitting a bid. Bidders shall submit 1 original bid and 1 electronic copy “flash drive “of the bid.

3. BIDS

3.1 Each Bid shall conform to the following:

3.1.1 It shall be on the forms furnished by SELCO which are included in the Bid Package and titled Contract Document and Bid Page.

3.1.2 It shall be completely filled.

3.1.3 It shall be placed and delivered in a sealed envelope and shall be addressed as follows:

BID FOR Broadband Installation Services - CONTRACT SELCO

SELCO

100 Maple Ave Shrewsbury, MA 01545

3.2 A Bid shall not be considered which is not in the possession of an authorized representative of the Purchasing Department by the time indicated in the advertisement for the opening of the subject Bid.

3.3 A Bid must be signed as follows:

3.3.1 If Bidder is an individual, personally;

3.3.2 If Bidder is a partnership, by the name of the partnership followed by the signature of each partner;

3.4 A Bid may be withdrawn at any time up to one (1) hour prior to the time set for the opening of the bid provided the request for withdrawal is presented in writing signed by the Bidder in the manner and form required for submitting a Bid.

3.5 Failure to properly execute the contract shall be grounds for rejection of the Bid.

3.6 The Bidder (contractor) shall faithfully fulfill the terms, conditions, and specifications at the prices quoted in the contractor's sealed Bid to SELCO. By signing the contract, the bidder acknowledges all terms and conditions set forth in all sections of the Bid package.

4. BID BONDS OR SURETY

4.1 Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth, a bid bond or surety shall be required in an amount specified by SELCO. Violation or misrepresentation of the contract and the prices quoted shall be grounds to forfeit the bid bond or surety in favor of SELCO.

4.2 In order to ensure faithful fulfillment of its terms, each bid shall be accompanied by a security of 5% of the bid price satisfactory to SELCO or by a certified check in that amount payable to SELCO. Such securities shall be returned to the bidder unless retained by SELCO under conditions hereinafter stipulated. A bid bond will be accepted as security.

4.3 Should the successful bidder fail to execute the contract and furnish the bonds and certificate of insurance within the time stipulated, SELCO may at its option determine that the Bidder has abandoned the Contract and thereupon the bid and acceptance shall be null and void. The guaranty accompanying the bid shall be retained and collected by SELCO as liquidated damages for the delay and expense caused by the abandonment of the contract.

4.4 The bid security of all bidders, with the exception of the three lowest eligible bidders, will be returned within ten (10) working days after the opening of bids. The bid security of these three bidders will be returned upon execution and delivery of the contract if an award is made, or will be returned upon expiration of said thirty-day period if no such award is made unless forfeited by failure to execute the contract as herein before provided.

5. OPENING AND CONSIDERATION OF BIDS

5.1 Each Bid shall be opened at the time and place called for in the Advertisement (Section A) and shall be read publicly.

5.2 Consideration and acceptance of Bids shall be based on the ability of the Bidder to meet the specifications for the item(s) legally advertised and set forth in the terms, conditions, and specifications of this package and subsequent contract documents.

5.3 All exceptions, changes, modifications, alternates, interlineations, etc. must be clearly noted, explained, and identified by the initials of the signing parties. If Bidder's stationery is used, it shall be signed and executed as specified herein and shall be considered as part of the Bid and Contract. Substantive or material exceptions may be cause for rejecting the bid.

5.4 SELCO in considering each Bid and awarding a contract shall have the right to waive any formal defects found in any Bid submitted, to reject any and all Bids, to accept any part or portion thereof, or to award the contract to the Bidder in which SELCO deems to be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

5.5 A Bid shall be awarded based on the lowest net cost to SELCO as defined herein. SELCO reserves the right to consider any and all other criteria deemed in the best interest of SELCO to be defined herein or as deemed necessary by SELCO.

5.6 SELCO shall have the right to require the Bidder to submit additional documentation and or information to verify the Bidder's ability to perform under the terms and conditions of the contract.

SECTION C - AWARD OF CONTRACT

1. GENERAL

1.1 SELCO will award the contract to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the Bid Documents, is in the best interest of SELCO.

1.2 SELCO reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informality in the bids received, and to award the contract, in whole or in part, to one or more Bidders, as deemed to be in the best interest of SELCO.

2. CONTRACT AWARD CRITERIA

2.1 In determining the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder, SELCO may consider: 2.1.1 The ability, capacity, and skill of the Bidder to perform the contract or provide the service required;

2.1.2 Whether the Bidder can perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or within the time specified, without delay or interference;

2.1.3 The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the Bidder;

2.1.4 The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;

2.1.5 The previous and existing compliance by the Bidder with laws and ordinances relating to the contract or service;

2.1.6 The sufficiency of the financial resources and ability of the Bidder to perform the contract or provide the service;

2.1.7 The quality, availability, and adaptability of the supplies or contractual services to the particular use required;

2.1.8 The ability of the Bidder to provide future maintenance and service for the use of the subject of the contract;

2.1.9 Other factors SELCO deems pertinent or relevant.

3. NOTIFICATION OF AWARD

3.1 The successful Bidder will be notified in writing by SELCO that its bid has been accepted and it has been awarded the contract. This notification will include instructions for finalizing the contract and any additional documentation required.

3.2 Upon receipt of the Notice of Award, the successful Bidder shall execute and deliver the Contract Documents and furnish the required bonds and certificates of insurance within ten (10) days.

4. EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

4.1 The Contract will be prepared by SELCO and will incorporate the Bidder's response and other relevant terms.

4.2 The successful Bidder must execute the contract and return it to SELCO along with the performance bond, labor and materials bond, and certificate of insurance within ten (10) days of receipt.

5. FAILURE TO EXECUTE CONTRACT Failure of the successful Bidder to execute the contract and furnish the required bonds and certificates of insurance within the time specified shall be just cause for the annulment of the award and forfeiture of the bid bond or surety to SELCO as liquidated damages.

SECTION D – SPECIFICATIONS

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1. Provide the necessary manpower to perform the installation and service of telecommunication equipment cabling and services and any other telecommunications technical services required and as specified by SELCO on an hourly basis. All materials will be supplied by SELCO. The contractor will supply all necessary tools, vehicles, equipment, test equipment, safety equipment and manpower to perform up to a minimum of 8 hours a day and possible over time when work requires and has been approved by SELCO’s field supervisor.

1.1.1. A minimum of one contractor will be required on-site for 40 hours per week, excluding weeks that a holiday coincides with a workday. If a contractor agrees to work the fifth day of a holiday week, this will not constitute overtime pay unless the total hours worked in a week exceeds 40 hours.

1.1.2. Overtime will be paid only if 1 individual contractor’s hours exceed 40 hours, not the combined hours of 2 or more contractors.

1.2. The cable television plant is generally located on the utility poles neat the power space. Appropriate OSHA, NESC, and any other regulatory agencies’ safety guidelines and/or requirements must be adhered to.

1.3. Background checks will be required for every employee and sub-contractor that will be on the premises or will have access to SELCO customers’ premises. These checks will be provided to SELCO at the contractor’s expense.

1.4. Identification badges will be provided by SELCO and must be carried at all times while performing duties for SELCO.

2. INVOICING: Invoices will be submitted on a weekly basis including certified payroll reports.

3. RAMP-UP TIME: SELCO will provide the contractor, at a minimum, twenty-four (24) hour notice when/if additional manpower is required. If a significant increase or decrease in work is anticipated (plus or minus 15 or more installations in a day), SELCO will provide the contractor with a minimum of two weeks’ notice. In any event, SELCO will make every effort to keep the contractor informed of expected changes in workload as soon as SELCO is aware of such changes.

4. WASTE DISPOSAL: SELCO will provide the contractor with suitable disposal containers to dispose of items resulting from work that the contractor may acquire as a result of the work the contractor is doing for SELCO.

5. STOCK: The contractor may stock trucks on a daily basis at SELCO’s Service Area by providing stock requests twenty-four (24) hours in advance. The contractor will pick up work, cable modems, ONT, Routers and converters daily at the same location. No parking is permitted on the premises other than to stock trucks or to dispose of items resulting from work that the contractor may acquire as a result of the work the contractor is doing for SELCO.

6. INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY

6.1. DAILY:

6.1.1. SELCO Helpdesk and CSRs will assign route sheet and schedule routes to Installers.

6.1.2. Tech’s will use Route Sheet along with NISC AppSuite on smart- phone for real time access to assigned work, swap equipment and close work orders.

6.1.3. Complete installs on time and professionally.

6.1.4. Contact CSR’s if behind so they can contact customer.

6.1.5. Fill out Install sheet and Return to CSR’S along with signed work order.

6.1.6. Fill out daily survey and install forms

6.2. TAP:

6.2.1. Port should be weather sealed (RUBBER BOOT) with crimp and seal connector.

6.2.2. No 2 way splitters at tap- Report if needs tap upgrade.

6.2.3. Check drop condition/ replace if necessary.

6.2.4. Return Levels are 15 over tap value.

6.2.5. Forward should be flat, good MER, good value would be 18/16.

6.2.6. Poor Levels out of Tap - Turn in for Line Escalation to Foreman.

6.3. IN HOUSE/At HOUSE:

6.3.1. Check ground block levels and record.

6.3.2. Make sure bond (also known as ground) is present and clean and tight.

6.3.3. Make sure all connectors are crimp and seal, and tight.

6.3.4. No PDI splitters, No attenuators, make sure splitters are in right configurations.

6.3.5. Use in house Amps when needed.

6.3.6. Cable is neat and clipped in basement no hanging wires from rafters.

6.3.7. Do not snake wires in walls. They will need an electrician.

6.3.8. Drilling if necessary using proper procedures. Usually into Home using pass through Grommet, but not limited to. Weather seal with silicone as needed, and from floor to floor with OWNER permission.

6.4. SET TOPS :

6.4.1. Levels are -10 to +10. Return level is 35 to 49.

6.4.2. Box has a valid IP.

6.4.3. Proper connectors - and tight at set top. Check pic quality.

6.4.4. Tivos have Good IP’s, APPS work, Moca network setup with inserter Or connected through Gateway.

6.4.5. Sync all minis with Gateway.

6.4.6. VOD works properly.

6.4.7. EVOPROs are connected to the Internet. SELCO Stream has been installed and configured. Remote Control paired with MYTV button and loading SELCO Stream.

6.5. MODEMS/ MTA:

6.5.1. Forward Levels are -10 to +10. RETURN level is 35-49.

6.5.2. Connectors are clean and tight- no attenuators.

6.5.3. Test internet connection and speed test out of modem.

6.5.4. Phone- make sure dial tone, and calls can be made and received.

6.5.5. Phone sounds clean with no static.

6.6. CUSTOMER EDUCATION:

6.6.1. Confirm install is working properly.

6.6.2. Instruct- go over with customer on the remote, box functions, and WIFI access.

6.6.3. Give appropriate instruction and access of info on SELCO site.

6.6.4. Close out work order ensuring that all devices are working and in proper operations before leaving the jobsite.

6.7. FIBER

6.7.1. Proper cleaning / inspect fiber.

6.7.2. Proper handling of connections.

6.7.3. Check optical levels and record Ont levels

6.7.4. Signal Levels:

GPON Downstream: 1490 nm -27 dBm to -8 dBm and GPON Upstream: 1310nm .5 to 5.0 dBm; In line with PON meter from ONT.

XGS Downstream: 1577 nm -28 dBm to 9 dBm XGS Upstream: 1270 nm 4 to 9 dBm; In line with PON meter from ONT.

6.7.5 Install fiber drops and splicing as necessary

6.8. TOOLS

6.8.1. RF and Optical Meters, hand tools , splicing equipment, fiber cleaning toolkit, Laptops and necessary equipment to perform quality installs is the responsibility of the Contractor.

7. PREVAILING WAGE INFORMATION

The classifications for the prevailing wage rates for this project are the responsibility of the bidder. Bidders should contact the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety regarding the calculations of the prevailing wage rate (i.e. what is taken into consideration to calculate the hourly rate). It is not the responsibility of the SELCO to provide this information.

8. EXCESS HOURLY CHARGE

Hours worked in excess of forty (40) by 1 individual may be invoiced at a higher rate. These hours must be approved in advance by SELCO Broadband management.

9. OSHA CERTIFICATION

9.1. That all employees to be employed at the worksite will have successfully completed a course in construction safety and health approved by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration that is at least 10 hours in duration at the time the employee begins work and shall furnish documentation of successful completion of said course with the first certified payroll report for each employee.

9.2. That any employee is responsible to be safety certified to perform the duties of the position, and it is between the contractor and the employee to come to terms as to who is responsible for paying for such training. Any employee found on a worksite subject to this section without documentation of successful completion of a course in construction safety and health approved by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration that is at least 10 hours in duration shall be subject to immediate removal.

SECTION E - CONTRACT & PRICING PAGES

Company Name: _________________________ Hourly Rate: _________________________ Excess Hourly Rate: _________________________ Available Technicians: _________________________

1. Schedule: The contractor will be on-site and available to work the following three shifts. Shift 1 is from 7:30 AM through 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday Shift 2 is from 7:30 AM through 4:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday Shift 3 is from 10:30 AM through 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The contractor will invoice for actual hours worked and keep accurate daily records of hours worked and submit to SELCO supervisor upon request. The contractor will not be required to work on holidays, nor will SELCO be invoiced for personal time off, sick time, or vacation time. Contractors will abide by all current labor laws regarding breaks and/or lunch. The contractor will be required to notify SELCO Customer Service of any absentees.

2. Certifications

2.1. SELCO is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Bidders shall make themselves aware of the existing Affirmative Action laws, policies, and practices before submitting this bid. Failure to make this confirmation shall not relieve the Bidder of its responsibility.

2.2. The undersigned agrees if awarded the contract to commence work within ten (10) working days after the award of the contract and providing suitable performance and payment bonds are received by the General Manager within the time specified in this bid.

2.3. Acceptance by SELCO shall constitute a contract between SELCO and the Bidder

2.4. We/I have carefully examined the contract documents and all five sections (A, B, C, D, & E), including any addenda and changes, and agree to furnish the item(s), service(s), material(s), and supplies as specified and described in all sections of the Contract Documents.

2.5. We/I accept responsibility for confirming with the General Manager's Office prior to submission of a sealed Bid that all addenda relating to this Bid have been received. Failure to make this confirmation shall not relieve us/me of the responsibility to fulfill the contract

2.6. We/I the undersigned certify under penalties of perjury that this Bid is in all respects bona fide, fair, and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this section, the word "person" shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation, or other business or legal entity.

2.7. By signing this Bid, the contractor shall certify that under penalties of perjury the signing party has filed all State tax returns and has paid all State taxes required under law.

2.8. The named organizational entity submitting this Bid is (check appropriate line(s)):

2.8.1. – Corporation ___

2.8.2. - Partnership ___

2.8.3. – Proprietorship ___

2.8.4. - Minority Owned ___

2.8.5. - Woman Owned ___

Signatures This page must be signed by an individual(s) with the authority to commit the Bidding entity to a binding agreement. See Section B, paragraph 3.3. Corporations must attach the required certification.

Company Name: _________________________ Authorized Signature: _________________________ Print Name of Authorized Official: _________________________ Address: _________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________ Fax Number: _________________________ Date: _________________________ Federal Tax ID #: _________________________ A notarized attestation of the signature(s) is required, or in the case of a corporation, attestation by the Secretary of the Corporation with the corporate seal affixed that the signature is the signature of an officer authorized to bind the corporation to a contractual agreement. Please complete the attached certificate of vote for corporations.

Accepted and Executed on _________________, 2025 by SELCO

FTTH INSTALL AND ACTIVATION PROCESS

TECHNICIANS WILL GET A ROUTE SHEET ALONG WITH THE NISC APP CALLED APP-SUITE TO ACCESS SERVICE ORDERS, SWAP, ADD OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT, AND CLOSE OUT TASKS.

GREET CUSTOMER AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF / VERIFY THE INSTALL WITH THE CUSTOMER.

IF YOU NEED TO ADD OR REMOVE ANY ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT TO THE SERVICE ORDER CALL THE CSR'S, BEFORE YOU PROCEED.

CHECK MST FOR LIGHT.

NOTE: IF FIBER OPTIC LEVELS ARE OUT OF SPEC AT THE MST CALL IT IN ASAP, AND CONTINUE WITH THE INSTALLATION.

INSTALL THE DROP, MEASURE LIGHT LEVELS AT END OF THE DROP AND RECORD. INSPECT/CLEAN BEFORE YOU CONNECT.

INSTALL THE FTT (FIBER TRANSITION TERMINAL/HOUSE BOX) AT THE DEMARC ENTRY POINT. RUN THE FIBER JUMPER FROM THE FTT TO THE ONT.

CLEAN AND SCOPE ALL CONNECTIONS.

*RECORD LEVELS: DNSTREAM AND UPSTREAM AT THE FIBER ONT AND NOTE LEVELS ON THE SERVICE ORDER.

LIGHT LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS:

1490 nm GPON DATA (PHONE and INTERNET) DNSTREAM -27 dBm to -8 dBm. 1310 nm GPON UPSTREAM .5 to 5.0 dBm. INLINE WITH PON METER from the ONT.

1577 nm DATA DNSTREAM -28 to +9 dBm.

1270 nm XGS UPSTREAM +4 to +9 dBm. INLINE WITH PON METER from the ONT.

IF OUT OF SPEC TROUBLESHOOT FROM FTT (HOUSE BOX) TO THE ONT.

*CONTINUE WITH INSTALLATION AS STATED ON THE SERVICE ORDER. WIRELESS ROUTER- (ETHERNET) WIRING, TELEPHONE WIRING, COAX AND ALL CONNECTIONS, VIDEO- STREAMING DEVICES, DTA'S AND OTHER LEGACY EQUIPMENT IF NEEDED. PROPER INSTALLAION AND WORKMANSHIP SHOULD BE ADHERED TO, FOR FUNCTIONALITY AND NEATNESS.

*ADD NOTES AS NECESSARY AND CLOSE OUT THE TASK.

*CHECK BEFORE LEAVING - ALL DEVICES-ONT OR MODEM ONLINE/ DATA RATES, PHONE- DIAL TONE / RX AND TX CALLS WITH NO STATIC, ALL VIDEO DEVICES FOR PICTURES AND REMOTE FUNCTIONS.

PERFORM CUSTOMER EDUCATION AND FUNCTIONALITY, PASSWORDS, PASS OUT CUSTOMER

HANDOUTS, AND INFORM THE CUSTOMER ABOUT OUR WEBSITE FOR HELPFUL GUIDES AND VIDEOS.

AGAIN-Do not leave without all devices/equipment working.

image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg