Missoula MT Fire Cache internet cable

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting contractors for the installation of network infrastructure at the Missoula Aerial Fire Depot Fire Cache warehouse in Missoula, Montana. The project involves installing approximately 60 feet of underground conduit, running fiber optic cable between the Tanker Base building and the new NRK warehouse annex, mounting communication equipment including a 4x4 foot backboard and network hardware cabinet, and running Cat 6 cables to six workstation and wireless access point locations. Contractors must provide all labor, materials, and equipment for the complete network connectivity solution, including utility location, excavation, backfill, surface restoration, and coordination with government personnel. The government will use a best value trade-off evaluation approach, considering both past performance/experience and price factors. Interested contractors must submit a technical proposal detailing past performance and complete an experience questionnaire, with responses due by August 18, 2025.

This opportunity is set aside for total small business participation, with no incumbent contractors identified in the documentation. The contract has a total budget range between $0-$25,000, with work to be performed from August 25, 2025, through September 29, 2025. The technical scope includes specific requirements such as installing 1.5-inch underground conduit at 24-30 inches below grade, terminating a 3-pair multi-mode fiber optic cable with LC connectors achieving less than 0.5db loss, and providing comprehensive cable testing and labeling. All work will be performed at the Missoula Aerial Fire Depot facility in Missoula, Montana, with contractors required to maintain active SAM registration and comply with Davis-Bacon wage determination requirements for the project location.