Fiber Service Drop Materials for Bunker Creek North/South

The Public Utility District No. 1 of Lewis County is soliciting bids for fiber service drop materials to support its broadband development project in the Bunker Creek area of Lewis County, Washington. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 25-001-IFB seeks various fiber optic materials, including single mode fiber flat drop reels, locatable duct, lockable pedestals, and fiber optic connectors, with quantities ranging from 150 to 600 units across seven line items. The procurement is specifically targeting materials for service drops, with delivery required at the district's warehouses in Chehalis and Morton before July 1, 2025. Bidders must be licensed to do business in Washington State and meet responsible bidder criteria, demonstrating the ability to provide materials that conform to technical specifications. The bid is scheduled for release on April 7, 2025, with proposals due by May 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and the district plans to announce the apparent successful bidder and place the order in May 2025. Evaluation will be conducted on a firm fixed price basis, with the contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, considering factors such as discounts, transportation costs, and life cycle costs.

The procurement is funded through a federal community connect grant, which mandates strict Buy American requirements under 7 CFR 1787, potentially limiting participation to domestic suppliers. Bidders must complete various certifications, including Equal Employment Opportunity and Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment requirements, which may create additional barriers to entry for some vendors. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the technical and certification requirements suggest a competitive bidding environment. The contract includes provisions for potential price revisions and additional product orders, with a minimum warranty requirement of one year from the date of receipt. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the procurement involves materials for a broadband development project spanning multiple jurisdictions, including Kittitas County, Lewis County, Fort Lewis CDP, North Fort Lewis CDP, and Lewisville CDP. The comprehensive nature of the materials procurement suggests a significant investment in expanding broadband infrastructure in the region, with potential long-term implications for local telecommunications capabilities.