DOC NIST - Installation of New Zayo Dark Fiber Tail - MRAS

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), on behalf of the Department of Commerce (DOC), is conducting market research to assess capabilities related to the installation and management of dark fiber infrastructure for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The mission of NIST's Office of Information Systems Management includes overseeing network operations, ensuring security and performance, and integrating new technologies that align with NIST's objectives. This initiative aims to enhance NIST's IT network by installing new Zayo Dark Fiber infrastructure, which is critical for supporting the NIST Time Service.

The project involves several specific tasks centered around the installation and activation of dark fiber connections between NIST facilities in Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado. The contractor will be responsible for installing 48 strands of single-mode dark fiber cable along Fort Collins Drive to the WWVB building at NIST Fort Collins campus. This includes terminating these fibers with LC connectors on a rackmount provided in building WWVB. Additionally, two strands will be activated and tested to establish a point-to-point connection between Fort Collins and Boulder facilities.

Furthermore, this project requires leasing services for twelve months renewable annually to support high-availability requirements essential for the NIST Time Service. The contractor must also provide access to an In-Line Amplifier (ILA) site with a half rack and power for equipment owned by NIST, ensuring continuous operation over long distances. Compliance with local regulations concerning safety standards during installation is mandatory, including adherence to OSHA guidelines and coordination with local utility services.

NIST will supply certain resources such as escort services during installation at its sites, a 19 rack in Fort Collins for fiber termination, as well as amplification equipment at the ILA site. The project timeline includes nine months from award date for cable installation completion followed by testing documentation submission demonstrating operational status. Ongoing support commitments include 24/7 network assistance with rapid response times throughout a five-year lease period.