Dark Fiber Transport

The state of Arkansas, through the Department of Transformation and Shared Services Office of State Procurement, is seeking bids for a contract to provide monthly billed dark fiber transport services for various state government locations in Pulaski County, including the State Data Centers, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas State Police, and other facilities in Little Rock. The contract will establish two self-healing transport rings and point-to-point dark fiber circuits to connect these facilities. Bidders must provide pricing for installation, construction, and monthly transport costs, which will be evaluated based on the lowest total 48-month cost for each ring and individual circuit. The contract term is for an initial four-year period, with options to renew for up to three additional one-year terms. Bids are due by October 25, 2023, and the contract will be subject to legislative review prior to final award.

The solicitation does not appear to include any set-aside requirements or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The current incumbent provider is not specified, and the solicitation does not provide details on any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The solicitation also does not specify a budget range or maximum award value, but the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder(s) that meet the requirements.