Request for Proposal for Maintenance for the Greater Austin Area Telecommunications Network (GAATN)

Background
The Greater Austin Area Telecommunications Network (GAATN) is a consortium of seven local governmental entities in the greater Austin area, including AISD, City of Austin, Travis County, Austin Community College, Lower Colorado River Authority, The University of Texas at Austin, and the State of Texas.

GAATN owns and operates an approximately 400-mile fiber-optic telecommunications network for the use and benefit of its governmental Participants. This RFP seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide maintenance and emergency repair services for both aerial and buried fiber optic networks.

Work Details
The contractor will provide various maintenance services for the GAATN Network, including:
1) Emergency repairs on both aerial and buried plant due to unexpected events such as accidents or weather-related damage;
2) Management of NJUNs tickets;
3) Continuous inspection of the GAATN Network with at least two documented inspections per year;
4) Routine maintenance activities like tree trimming;
5) Attendance at weekly AULCC meetings and monthly GAATN Board and Technical Committee meetings;
6) Maintenance of suitable crews and inventory for service provision.

Period of Performance
The initial term of the contract will be for two years starting from July 1, 2026, with up to three possible one-year renewals thereafter upon mutual agreement.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed in the greater Austin area where the GAATN fiber-optic network is located.

Bidder Requirements
Contractors must maintain specific minimum levels of experience in network-related areas, including management and field personnel. They must have at least one Bentley-qualified employee. Required documentation includes maintenance bonds equivalent to performance coverage, specified insurance levels naming GAATN as an insured party, and proof of sound financial condition.