JANUARY 28, 2011 -- Broadband stimulus winner MCNC has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction and splicing of the fiber-optic middle-mile project to expand the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). The deadline for responses is 5:00 PM EST February 28, 2011.
MCNC received funding for the fiber-optic middle-mile project through the Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP).
The RFP targets qualified contractors who can provide construction and splicing for the GLBRI middle-mile routes. The effort will connect universities, community colleges, schools, health and safety facilities, libraries, county offices, and other community anchor institutions to a statewide fiber-optic network.
The construction encompasses seven segments:
- Total North Central segments: Approximately 203.9 route miles
- Total Northeast segments: Approximately 282.8 route miles
- Total Outer Banks segments: Approximately 243.3 route miles
- Total South Central segments: Approximately 238.7 route miles
- Total Central segments: Approximately 113.5 route miles
- Total Graham segments: Approximately 18 route miles
- Total Northwest segments: Approximately 50 miles
Interested parties also can register to view the RFP, construction agreement, and baseline route maps at www.mcnc.org/btop.
Respondents may submit proposals for one or more segments. The priorities for segment completion will vary, MCNC says, with some segments requiring streamlined construction timelines due to their location and potential impact. MCNC says each segment may be awarded separately or not at all.
Proposals will be accepted in electronic format only. Proposals should be submitted to [email protected]. Bid bonds also are due by the proposal due date and may be submitted to: Patricia Moody, MCNC Chief Financial Officer, P.O. Box 12889, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
The GLRBI must be completed in accordance to federal guidelines. All construction must be finished by Jan. 31, 2013 to allow MCNC to equip and place the fiber optic network into service on or before July 31, 2013.
In evaluating the responses to this RFP, MCNC will work with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach companies in the state who qualify as small, disadvantaged, and minority-owned businesses.
The NCIMED, through their Minority Business Enterprise Center, has with partners like the Self Help Credit Union, created loan programs targeted for small, minority, and local businesses who desire to bid on ARRA opportunities such as this RFP that are part of MCNC's BTOP Round 2 award. Respondents interested in learning more about these loan programs should contact Kaye Gantt at the Minority Business Enterprise Center via e-mail at [email protected] or phone at (919) 956.8889.
More information about the GLRBI can be found at www.goldenleaf.org.