IFB # 133-26: Furnish Fiber Optic Cable

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is soliciting bids under IFB 133-26 to furnish outdoor fiber optic cable for the Widett Layover Facility project, with bids due November 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST via COMMBUYS or FairMarkit. The source names no set-aside, preference program, or local-vendor requirement. No pre-bid conference is scheduled, and the question deadline of one week before bid due date (October 28, 2026) has passed.

The solicitation covers 11,000 linear feet of 12-strand and 7,000 linear feet of 96-strand outdoor fiber optic cable under Specification 16749P (Items 1650.037P and 1650.038P), as part of MBTA Contract No. F60PS01. The cable system must support OC-192 (10 Gbps) operation in an IP Ethernet-based network. Requirements include compliance with NEC Section 770, UL, ICEA, IEEE, and Telcordia standards, low-smoke zero-halogen construction, and 100% attenuation testing for cable lengths of 300 meters or greater. The cable manufacturer must hold ISO 9001 registration. Suppliers must submit shop drawings, test procedures, and material certifications at least ten business days before delivery. This is a materials-only procurement; installation and final testing fall under a separate contractor agreement. The supplier must provide a two-year parts warranty from MBTA acceptance, plus a two-year extended warranty after testing and commissioning.

Materials must be delivered FOB destination to 100 Foodmart Road, Boston, MA 02118 by September 2, 2027. Bidders price per linear foot on a firm fixed basis, including freight, packaging, handling, and duties. Bid prices exclude taxes because the MBTA is exempt from federal excise and Massachusetts sales tax. The source states no contract value. The contract will be open for use by all MassDOT divisions. The source names no incumbent.

Award goes to the lowest-priced responsive bid from a responsible bidder. Bids must remain valid for a minimum of 120 calendar days from the bid due date. Bidders must submit Form A (Pre-Award Bidder Evaluation Data Form), Form B (Requested Goods & Services Pricing Form), and a signed Section 7.1 (MBTA Standard Terms and Conditions). Required insurance includes commercial general liability and automobile liability of $1,000,000 each, and workers' compensation with employers liability of $1,000,000 per accident, per employee for disease, and aggregate. Insurers must be licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and rated A- or better by Best's. If insurance is not available at bid submission, proof is due within three business days of conditional notice of award.