DOC FDCF Fiber Optic Cabling

The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) has issued a Request for Bid (RFB) #005-RFB-0162-2022 for fiber optic cabling installation at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility (FDCF), a medium-security prison designed to house up to 1,362 adult male inmates. The project involves installing approximately 5,500 linear square feet of new fiber optic cabling to upgrade the facility's networking infrastructure, replacing existing analog camera systems with IP cameras and expanding network-dependent systems. The solicitation requires vendors to install cabling capable of supporting six different networks at minimum 40 Gbps speeds, replacing the current multimode OM1 fiber that has exceeded its operational limitations. Mandatory site visits were conducted on September 23 and October 6, 2022, with the final bid submission deadline set for October 18, 2022, at 2:00 PM Central Time through the Iowa IMPACS Electronic Procurement System. Bidders must provide comprehensive documentation including final drawings, manufacturer cable certifications, and optical fiber cable test results, and comply with strict security protocols such as facility work rules, background checks, and a training session on working around incarcerated individuals.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and no incumbent vendors are listed in the documentation. Vendors must maintain specific insurance coverage and demonstrate comprehensive business experience and past performance. The project requires vendors to integrate with existing network infrastructure, specifically connecting to a Cisco #2960X (1 gig) and a Unify Pro (10 gig) network, with fiber runs to multiple buildings including A, I, M, and H. While no specific budget range is provided, the solicitation indicates firm pricing for the first year with potential price adjustments during contract renewal considerations. The contract is not exclusive, and the state reserves the right to add additional items or manufacturers during the contract's lifecycle. The project must be completed before ground freezing or no later than December 1, 2022, with vendors expected to provide new fiber termination panels and run fiber to existing network drops while maintaining the existing legacy systems.