Optical cable assemblies (UW-MAD) [20-0024]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, located in Dane County and specifically in Madison, is seeking bids for optical cable assemblies through Request for Bid (RFB) No. 20-0024. The procurement is specifically for 4-lane bidirectional 850nm optical module assemblies that must be plug-compatible with Samtec UCC8/UEC5 connector systems, featuring MTP12(M) mating interfaces with 40 cm OM3 optical fiber and pin fin heat sinks. Bidders must have a minimum of five years of experience providing optical cable assembly items or services and must be either an original manufacturer, authorized distributor, or dealer authorized by the manufacturer. The bid was originally issued on September 3, 2019, with written questions due by September 10, 2019, and bids originally due on September 18, 2019, but subsequently amended to a due date of September 23, 2019, at 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time. The University reserves the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and vendor location site visits at its sole discretion to validate submitted information prior to award. Evaluation will be based on the lowest net unit price bid judged to be in the best interest of the University, with acceptance testing to occur within four weeks of delivery and a warranty period beginning after successful acceptance.

The procurement encourages participation from Wisconsin-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB) as subcontractors, with specific goals of awarding at least 5 percent to MBEs and 1 percent to DVBs. Potential preferences may be given to certified MBE or DVB firms submitting qualified bids within 5 percent of the apparent low bid. Bidders must certify they have not engaged in collusion and that their bid was independently developed. The University requires that bidders certify that neither they nor their principals are debarred, suspended, or ineligible for federal participation. Bids must be submitted on an F.O.B. Destination basis, with all delivery charges, packing, freight, insurance, and installation manuals included in the bid price. Payment terms are Net 30 days following acceptance by the University. While no specific award value is mentioned, the procurement is for the Department of Physics and involves specialized optical cable assemblies. All bids will remain confidential until after award determination, with any amendments or clarifications to be posted on vendornet.state.wi.us and publicnotices.wi.gov.