Fiber Installation

The Kansas Department of Administration's Procurement and Contracts division is seeking proposals for a comprehensive fiber installation project at the Larned State Correctional Facility located in Rawlins County. The project requires installing two 1.25 poly lines spanning approximately 2,760 feet, placing owner-supplied optic cable of approximately 3,600 feet, and installing four 48" x 30" pull vaults. Bidders must demonstrate ten years of experience in boring, trenching, and installing poly pipe and vaults, and maintain a field office within a reasonable distance of the facility. The RFP mandates that bidders employ qualified technicians who have passed background checks and possess a robust safety program with specific OSHA training requirements. Two mandatory pre-bid site visits are scheduled for January 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM and January 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with potential bidders required to attend one session. The final proposal submission deadline is February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, with a contract period extending from the award date through February 1, 2027.

The procurement offers preferences for Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses and Certified Businesses, with specific set-aside considerations for diverse enterprises. Bidders must obtain a current tax clearance certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue and submit multiple compliance forms, including Immigration Reform and Control, Sexual Harassment, and Boycott of Israel certifications. The state allows payment via procurement card and extends contract usage to political subdivisions. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed technical requirements suggest a sophisticated infrastructure investment. Bidders are required to provide separate pricing for labor and materials, including installation of poly lines, optic cable placement, and pull vault construction, with an additional alternate pricing option for supplying and installing a 36-strand single mode fiber. The contract includes a one-year warranty for pipe damage during placement, indicating a commitment to quality and long-term performance. Potential vendors must demonstrate technical competence, safety protocols, and compliance with state procurement regulations to be considered for this critical infrastructure project.