OCTO Enhanced Cellular Systems RFI

Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), Office of the Chief Technology Officer, is issuing an RFI for enhanced cellular systems that amplify existing outdoor cellular signals inside state-used buildings, with responses due November 12, 2026. This is a market-research request, not a binding solicitation, and it imposes no set-aside, preference, or eligibility restriction. Vendor questions closed October 22, 2026, and the state posted answers on October 27, 2026.

Respondents must propose complete, closed-loop systems: lockable rack-mount enclosures, inside wiring plant components, metallic conduit, indoor baseband and radio units, connection to a dedicated ISP, and full lifecycle management covering design, installation, testing, operations, and support. Minimum technical requirements include 4x4 MIMO, support for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, dual-mode 4G/5G with LTE and NR, designated frequency bands, and transmit power of 23-26 dBm. Suppliers must describe service models covering end-to-end delivery, system monitoring, fault detection, support tiers and escalation, and Service Level Agreements. Pricing responses may cover CapEx, OpEx subscription or managed service, and hybrid models, with per-site and per-node variations, one-time installation and testing fees, recurring support, and optional enhanced tiers. DTMB serves 18 state agencies, and DTMB OCTO Networking Services will conduct pre-deployment site surveys and verify suitability for a supplier-installed lockable rackmount cabinet, but it will not operate, support, or maintain the systems. The state reserves the right to invite selected vendors to oral presentations.

Responses must be submitted electronically through the SIGMA VSS system, with documents in modifiable native formats and optional PDF copies, and each attachment is limited to 6 MB. All submissions become public record on receipt and are subject to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. A Confidential Treatment Form is required whether or not confidential treatment is requested. A supplier capabilities vendor question set accompanies the RFI and gathers experience, technical capabilities, service delivery models, and organizational capacity.