Request for Structured Cabling System

Forest Hills Public Schools in Kent County/Grand Rapids City, Michigan issued a Request for Proposal on October 5, 2020 for comprehensive structured cabling system equipment, installation, and warranty services to support the District's bond program construction projects across multiple school buildings. The procurement encompasses a phased implementation spanning August 2020 through April 2022, with the initial phase covering three buildings—Orchard View Elementary, Northern High School (Unit A), and Eastern High School New Addition—and subsequent phases planned for Collins Elementary and Thornapple Elementary. The base bid must include Category 6A UTP plenum-rated cabling, cabling support systems, demolition of approximately eight cables per classroom (including coaxial, unshielded twisted pair, and phone lines), in-building fiber optics where applicable, network closet installation and renovation, and all required labor and miscellaneous materials. The scope involves installation of 238 audio/visual data drops, 344 wireless access point drops, 80 video surveillance drops, 240 clock and PA system drops, and 530 general data drops across all sites, along with 7 network closets, 14 power distribution units, 3 floor-mounted cabinets, and 4 floor-mounted wall cabinets. Vendors must provide equipment specifications, cost proposals in Microsoft Excel format, unit pricing for additional cable runs and optional services including wireless access point and video surveillance camera removal/reinstallation, and a 5% bid bond or cashier's check. The District prefers solutions from established manufacturers including Panduit, Legrand, CommScope, Belden, and Leviton, with preference for products proven functional and cost-effective in K-12 education environments; all products must be newly manufactured, in current production, and free of end-of-life designations. All structured cabling installations must include a manufacturer's performance certification with a minimum 15-year warranty on the entire channel, fiber installations covered by a 1-year workmanship warranty, and performance bonds equal to the total contract price with surety ratings of A- or better from A.M. Best and Company. Questions were due by October 8, 2020, with proposals due by October 22, 2020 at 10:00 AM ET at the Forest Hills Public Schools Administration Building in Room #5, with the District anticipating award in November 2020.

The RFP does not explicitly identify set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions limiting organizational eligibility, though vendors may partner with other providers to deliver a complete turnkey solution provided all parties are clearly identified and a prime vendor is designated. The District is tax-exempt except for enhancements to real property and reserves the right to adjust quantities upward or downward by 25% without altering unit prices, and may award specific buildings to multiple vendors, establishing a long-term relationship with a single vendor using competitively bid pricing from this RFP for subsequent phases contingent upon successful performance. The existing single-mode fiber backbone will remain in place with new fiber runs only required if specified in future change orders, and the District intends to participate in the Universal Service Fund (USF) program, requiring the Contractor to accommodate this participation and comply with all USF procedures, with invoicing not permitted prior to July 1, 2020 or until the District receives a positive Funding Commitment Decision Letter from the Universal Service Administrative Company. The Sample Agreement specifies a Purchase Price structure that is all-inclusive of equipment, materials, technology, devices, labor, taxes, shipping, handling, bonds, and insurance, with progress billing submitted monthly for equipment and materials delivered and installed not exceeding ninety percent of the total Purchase Price and ten percent retainage held until final acceptance. The District imposes daily penalties of $200 per day for delays beyond the required completion date if delays are within the Contractor's control and reserves the right to terminate the Agreement at any time for any reason upon thirty days written notice, with final acceptance occurring only after all requirements are met and the District or its representative determines acceptance conditions are satisfied.