RFP Fiber Optic Network Management & Maintenance Services

Background
The Illinois Tollway is seeking proposals for Fiber Optic Network Management and Maintenance Services to support its extensive fiber network, which is critical for data and toll collection operations. The network comprises over 2500 miles of ducts and more than 50,000 miles of fiber strands. The selected vendor will provide engineering and construction support, assist in relocation efforts, and help identify and market excess capacity within the network to generate alternative revenue streams. Timely vendor selection is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted operations.

Work Details
The vendor will provide professional services including:
- Engineering, construction management, administration, and maintenance of the Fiber Network.
- Identification and marketing of excess capacity within the Fiber Network and Communication Towers.
- Management, administration, and maintenance of 3GIS.

Services include program management, project management (both short-term and long-term), software administration and support, locates support. Specific requirements include:
- Project Manager with at least five years of experience in fiber optics installation.
- Technicians for system patrolling, detailed field inspections, GIS/GPS data collection.
- Cable locating services with a minimum of one locate coordinator.
- A minimum of 10,000 square feet of warehouse space for inventory storage.
- Response times similar to previous projects with on-call service requirements.
- Availability of two fiber optic cable splicing teams for emergency repairs.
- Provision of two fully equipped splicing trailers.
- Two professional engineers for design and construction support services.
- Management staff for third-party invoicing coordination.
- Marketing personnel with experience in fiber optics marketing and leasing.

Period of Performance
The contract will have an initial term of five years starting from the last dated signature of the parties involved. There is an option to renew for three additional years if needed.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed across various locations along the Illinois Tollway system which includes major highways such as I-294, I-94, I-90, I-88, I-355 & I-390.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must meet specific qualifications including:
- Completion of at least five projects involving high-speed networks.
- Experience working directly with major telecommunications providers like AT&T or Verizon.
- Submission of resumes for key staff proposed to complete the services required.
Additionally, each prime contractor must perform no less than 35% of the contract work.