Request for proposal (RFP) RFP number 25-0148501

The California Department of Technology (CDT) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 25-0148501 for Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Services of the Middle Mile Broadband Network (MMBN), seeking a qualified contractor to manage and operate a comprehensive statewide fiber optic network established under Senate Bill 156. The network encompasses approximately 8,000 miles of fiber optic cables and 139 inline amplification (ILA) huts distributed throughout California, with additional colocation in two commercial data centers. The contract term is three years, with a potential start date of April 1, 2026, and options for two one-year extensions, bringing the total possible contract period to five years. The primary deliverables include transition-in services, program management, network maintenance and operations, fiber management, and provisioning services across multiple network node types such as backbone core, transit, data center, lateral, NID, and CPE infrastructure. The evaluation methodology will allocate 60% of scoring to proposal requirements and 40% to cost, with a maximum of 100 points available. Proposals must be submitted by December 19, 2025, with the final proposal deadline firmly set at that date.

The solicitation includes socioeconomic program provisions with potential preferences for small businesses, though the disabled veteran-owned business enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement has been waived for this procurement. While specific set-aside designations are not extensively detailed, the RFP suggests opportunities for diverse business participation. The cost proposal structure includes comprehensive pricing categories with fixed-unit and fixed-price models, incorporating time and materials (T&M) labor rates for various technical roles including Network Enhancement Project Managers, Senior and Junior Network Engineers, System Administrators, Cable Technicians, and Cyber Security positions. Although the current cost worksheet shows $0 evaluated pricing, which may indicate a preliminary document, the procurement suggests a significant infrastructure investment with potential for substantial contract value. The network's extensive geographical coverage and complex technical requirements indicate that respondents will need sophisticated network management capabilities, advanced technical expertise, and demonstrated experience in large-scale broadband infrastructure maintenance and operations.