SMARTPGH Cable Installation

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management & Budget, on behalf of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, is soliciting competitive bids for the SmartPGH Cable Installation project (IFB #2025-IFB-231), a one-time fiber optic infrastructure deployment contract. The procurement involves the installation of a 96-count fiber optic cable trunk line between the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and designated termination points throughout Pittsburgh's 1st and 2nd Wards, spanning approximately 5,700 linear feet from 412 Boulevard of the Allies to the Smithfield Street Bridge, City-County Building, and Armstrong Tunnel north portal. The scope of work includes fiber optic cable installation and splicing, hub cabinet replacement and installation, termination panel installation, IT rack installation, electrical services, and comprehensive fiber optic testing. The project requires 15 distinct line items covering conduit installation, trench and backfill work, and related infrastructure components. Bidders must possess certified personnel capable of working around 23KV electric lines and must coordinate with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Duquesne Light Company, and other ongoing area projects. The contract timeline requires substantial completion within 140 consecutive calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with strict traffic restrictions and limitations on holiday work. The bid was released on August 19, 2025, with a deadline for submitting questions of September 9, 2025, and a response deadline of September 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The procurement includes mandatory Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals requiring bidders to demonstrate good faith efforts to meet the following targets: 18% Minority-Owned Business Enterprises, 7% Women-Owned Business Enterprises, 5% Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and 3% LGBTQIA+ businesses. Prevailing wage requirements apply to all work orders totaling $25,000 or more, with detailed wage rates provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry covering various trade classifications and skill levels, ranging from $50.86 to $54.16 per hour for electricians plus fringe benefits. Bidders must comply with OSHA 1910.269 regulations and follow specific Duquesne Light Company protocols for manhole entry, including mandatory 24-hour advance notification to the DLC Operations Center at 412-798-7432 and submission of the Non-DLC Personnel Entrance Form. All shipping and delivery costs must be included in bid pricing on an F.O.B. Destination basis, with the City declining to reimburse separate shipping, handling, or delivery fees. While no specific award value or budget range is explicitly stated in the procurement documents, the project scope and technical complexity suggest a substantial municipal infrastructure investment, with the contract award date anticipated for September 5, 2025.