Request for Proposals for PON Network Equipment

Golden State Fiber is requesting proposals for Passive Optical Network (PON) equipment to support open-access fiber broadband infrastructure across 40 California counties, with proposals due August 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. through the Procurement Portal. A non-mandatory pre-response meeting is scheduled for July 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. virtually. Questions must be submitted at least five business days prior to the submission deadline.

The scope encompasses Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Network Terminals/Units (ONTs/ONUs), software controllers, and supporting systems for approximately 1,065 route miles and 31,427 homes passed across seven projects in Northern, Central, and Southern California. The network will comprise approximately 37 hut/cabinet locations using XGS-PON technology with distributed and centralized split designs. Construction begins in June 2026 in Glenn County with additional projects in Q3 or Q4 2026, full deployment expected within 18–24 months, and customer onboarding anticipated in Q1 2027. Five-year forecasts project 15,242 total customer adds and 981 minimum OLT ports across 36 footprint areas.

Respondents must demonstrate active U.S.-based customer deployments in production networks and maintain all requisite active licenses. Vendors must provide financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flow) for the past fiscal year and minimum three business references. OEM manufacturer status is preferred over white-labeled resellers. Scoring criteria address technical capability—including support for required features, OEM status, client references, and optional features such as OAM support and DHCP Option 82—alongside cost efficiency for initial capital expenditures and five-year operational expenses. GSF reserves the right to award contracts to one or more vendors; awards do not guarantee purchases. The project is funded through California Public Utilities Commission Federal Funding Account grant awards and bond financing, subject to applicable state and federal requirements and Golden State Connect Authority approvals.