Big Thompson Canyon Broadband Expansion

The City of Loveland, Colorado is requesting proposals for aerial fiber-optic network construction in the Big Thompson Canyon Broadband Expansion project (RFP #2026-054), with proposals due August 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time and questions due August 10, 2026. The project is funded entirely by a USDA Community Connect Grant; all materials are provided by the City with no substitution allowed.

The scope encompasses approximately 45,000 feet of aerial fiber placement to serve approximately 99 premises (96 residential and 4 commercial) west of Loveland along Highway 34 within the Big Thompson Canyon corridor, spanning mile markers 77 through 82. Deliverables include permitting, aerial fiber-optic network construction, fiber splicing and testing, project management, and restoration work. The contractor must commence work by September 2026 and complete the project within 180 working days.

The contract will be awarded on a unit price basis with a not-to-exceed total price to the lowest responsible proposer. Bid security of 5% of the total proposal amount is required, along with performance and payment bonds each equal to 100% of the contract amount. The contractor must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with combined single limits, comprehensive automobile liability insurance, workers' compensation, and other specified coverages.

Evaluation criteria include scope understanding, assigned project team qualifications, safety record, firm experience, firm capability, construction performance history, and cost. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and conduct interviews with top-ranked proposers before making final selection. Award is anticipated for the week of August 31, 2026. A virtual public bid opening will be held via Microsoft Teams. Proposals must be submitted electronically through www.bidnetdirect.com/city-of-loveland.