On-Call CBX Drop Construction

Clackamas County, Oregon is seeking qualified vendors through Request for Quotes (RFQ) #2023-73 for on-call Clackamas Broadband Exchange (CBX) residential fiber drop construction services, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The procurement is specifically targeting contractors capable of providing comprehensive fiber optic cable construction services for residential sites, including trenching, boring, splicing, aerial and vault installations. Selected contractors must demonstrate the ability to initiate work within 48 hours of receiving a task order and will be responsible for installing residential fiber drops in Clackamas County and Oregon City. The county will provide necessary materials such as fiber cable and conduit, while contractors will supply installation hardware and perform all construction activities. Evaluation criteria will include contractor experience, staffing capabilities, competitive pricing, references, and proven ability to complete the work. Quotes are due by October 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM PST, with an extended submission deadline from the original October 11 date. The contract term will be one year, with the potential for multiple vendors to be awarded contracts.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The estimated total project budget is $300,000, with contractors required to provide firm-level, competitive unit pricing for various construction activities. Pricing will cover specific services such as conduit installation (1-inch for private property, 2-inch for public rights-of-way), fiber cable installation, splicing, aerial and vault installations, and residential home connections. Prevailing wage rates will apply since the total project value exceeds $50,000. Contractors will be responsible for managing installation challenges such as rock encountered during boring or trenching and must provide appropriate flagging and safety measures. The County will handle utility pole make-ready work if necessary. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the procurement suggests this is part of a broader broadband expansion initiative aimed at improving residential internet infrastructure in the region.