Operations Support System and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) for Fiber Network Services Updated

The City of Ocala is seeking proposals for an Operations Support System and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) Platform to support its fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure through the Ocala Fiber Network (OFN). The procurement is for a comprehensive platform that will serve both residential and commercial end users, providing data and internet services, bandwidth access, MAN connections, dark fiber, co-location space, and E-Rate services for schools and libraries. Proposers must have a minimum of five years of documented experience serving governmental agencies, electric companies, or utility service providers, and provide at least three verifiable references. The contract will be an initial five-year term with an optional five-year renewal, with full implementation and testing expected by the fourth quarter of 2025. Proposers must demonstrate compatibility with the City's existing Adtran, Alcatel-Lucent, and Juniper FTTP electronics, and be capable of running concurrently with the current system for at least six months. The evaluation will focus on technical compliance, experience, qualifications, past performance, and support capabilities. Proposals are due on July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EST and must be submitted electronically through the city's e-procurement portal, with proposers required to pass the technology questionnaire with a minimum score of 80%.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The City currently operates its own fiber network since the mid-1990s and has deployed existing electronics from Adtran, Alcatel-Lucent, and Juniper, which will require careful integration with the new OSS/BSS platform. While specific budget ranges were not detailed in the provided documents, the pricing proposal template includes line items for system software, hardware, integration, implementation, staff training, annual support, and maintenance, suggesting a comprehensive and potentially significant investment. The procurement emphasizes functionality and technical compatibility over price, indicating that the City is prioritizing a robust and seamless technological solution. The selected vendor will be expected to provide implementation assistance and support, with the platform needing to be fully operational and ready for testing and training by the fourth quarter of 2025. The contract will include provisions for 40 hours of post-implementation system management support for years 3 and 5, with additional hourly rates for on-site and remote support services.