Emergency Fiber Restoration

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2025-06 for Disaster Fiber Restoration Services covering their extensive fiber optic network spanning approximately 4,100 miles across Florida's Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to perform emergency fiber restoration activities, including comprehensive damage assessment of fiber circuits, restoration of damaged facilities, transportation of materials, installation of structures and hardware, and site clean-up. Key deliverables include detailed damage evaluations, precise facility restoration, and proper disposal of damaged infrastructure as directed by SVEC. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM Eastern on May 4, 2025, with SVEC anticipating awarding one contract but reserving the right to select multiple respondents. The contract will be structured as a time and materials (T&M) agreement, with task orders issued on a unit rate basis. Respondents must demonstrate extensive experience in restoring disaster-generated fiber circuit damage and show familiarity with FEMA, federal, state, and local guidelines.

The contract will be funded through FEMA financial assistance, which mandates strict compliance with federal regulations and cost principles. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, contractors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including General Liability ($1,000,000), Workers Compensation, and Automobile Liability coverage. The procurement is open to contractors with proven capabilities in disaster-related fiber optic line repairs, though specific performance history and technical expertise will be critical evaluation criteria. SVEC serves approximately 30,000 meters and will issue specific work authorizations through written Task Orders, suggesting potential for ongoing, project-based engagement. Though an exact contract value is not specified, the extensive fiber network and disaster restoration scope indicate a potentially significant financial opportunity for qualified contractors. The cooperative reserves the right to negotiate contract terms and may adjust the procurement approach based on received proposals.