Specifications to procure and construct adss fiber optic line

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (FKEC) is requesting proposals for a turn-key project to procure and construct an All Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) fiber optic line connecting Crawl Key Substation to Marathon Substation, with proposals due August 20, 2026 and questions due August 13, 2026.

The scope encompasses approximately 35 miles of 144-strand ADSS fiber, including 25,500 feet of overhead fiber on existing distribution poles, 18,200 feet of fiber in existing conduit, and 1,100 feet of new underground conduit and fiber along Heritage Trail on US1. The project includes fiber splices for five capacitor banks and four reclosers, fiber terminations at both substations, installation of approximately 42 new poles with detailed structural and attachment specifications, and a 590-foot overhead crossing of Vaca Cut Bridge. The contractor must comply with National Electric Safety Code standards, OSHA protocols, FEMA procurement guidance, and 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Uniform Rules). Work cannot proceed during Florida Lobster Sport Season (July 25–31, 2027), Thanksgiving week, or Christmas week. Design must account for coastal salt spray and wind loading of 128+ mph.

FKEC has obtained permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (SAJ-2026-00706, valid through March 15, 2031), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (exemption under Chapter 62-330.051(14)(a), F.A.C.), and Florida Department of Transportation (utility permit on State Road 5, Monroe County, approved July 8, 2026; work must commence within 60 days). The contractor must obtain separate authorization from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and maintain a Letter of Consent from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

Evaluation criteria are project cost (50%), proposal schedule (10%), proposal work plan details (30%), and past performance (10%). A bid bond of five percent of the "not to exceed" bid price is required. The selected contractor will execute a firm fixed-price agreement and must maintain comprehensive insurance including commercial general liability of $2 million per occurrence, workers' compensation of $500,000 per accident, commercial auto liability of $2 million per accident, and performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of contract price. Anticipated intent to award is December 1, 2027; project completion is December 1, 2027. Site visits are encouraged prior to submittal.