Fiber Installation, Splicing, and Repair Service

Norwich Public Utility, on behalf of the City of Norwich, Connecticut, is seeking qualified vendors to provide fiber installation, splicing, troubleshooting, and repair services through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The scope of work encompasses installing fiber cable, splice closures, preparing cables and fibers for termination, and performing fusion splicing of single-mode fibers at multiple locations throughout the utility's network. Vendors will be responsible for executing typical fiber-to-fiber splicing within splice closures and break-out boxes, with periodic work required at rack-mounted fiber patch panels. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the City of Norwich Procurement Portal by 2:00 PM prevailing time on May 12, 2026, with no alternative submission methods (mail, in-person, or email) accepted. Norwich Public Utility will typically provide fiber materials, splice closures (boots), and patch panels; however, vendors may be required to assist in acquiring shorter lengths of 12-count, 48-count, or 144-count fiber and associated hardware as needed. Qualified vendors must demonstrate capability through references for similar work, maintain current insurance certificates, and perform all work in compliance with OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations using competent tradesmen under contractor supervision. The contract term will be three years with an option to renew for two additional years at NPU's discretion, for a potential total term not exceeding five years.

Norwich Public Utility reserves the right to make multiple awards for these services and may evaluate bids based on factors beyond price alone, including consideration of any active or pending civil litigation between NPU and bidders. No specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor information are disclosed in the solicitation documents. Vendors may be required to furnish a Certificate of Good Standing from the Connecticut Secretary of State; however, no information regarding preference for Connecticut-based contractors or other organizational restrictions is provided. Connecticut state sales and use taxes are not applicable and must not be included in vendor pricing. No specific contract value, budget range, or estimated line-item quantities are disclosed in the available solicitation documents. Bidders are bound by a sixty-day withdrawal restriction from the bid opening date, and NPU explicitly reserves the right to reject any or all bids and award to other than the low bidder if deemed in the best interest of the city.