ties request for proposals - dark fiber

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Description of Solicitation

3. RFP Rules and Guidelines

4. Scope of Services and Requirements

5. Terms and Conditions

6. Appendices

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1. Introduction1.1. PURPOSE

TIES is requesting sealed proposals from qualified vendors to provide Indefeasible Right to Use (IRU) Dark Fiber connections. The scope of this proposal will include, but is not limited to: design specifications, implementation plan, and a pre- and post-implementation support plan. The terms should provide for a three-year IRU with up to two optional one year renewals or as negotiated.

Alternatively, for some or all of the services, wavelength, Ethernet services, and/or layer2 MPLS service may be proposed, provided services meet performance criteria in Section 4.

Proposers may propose use a mix of IRU, wavelength, Ethernet services, and/or layer2 MPLS service.

TIES prefers to utilize a single Proposer for all services, but reserves the right to accept portions of proposals, and use more than one vendor to provide the services described in this RFP.

1.2. BACKGROUND

TIES currently utilizes a variety of methods including fiber between service points and intermediate points of presence, plus lit services such as metro Ethernet, to interconnect buildings and deliver data services to member districts.

1.3. ABOUT TIES

TIES is a St. Paul, Minnesota-based educational technology solutions collaborative owned by 48 member districts. The organization’s mission is to leverage collective wisdom to make technology work across school communities. For almost 50 years, TIES has proven to be a reliable partner with K-12 educators by providing technology and information services to school administrators, educators, and students. With approximately 100 employees, TIES serves as a key technology source for its member districts via software systems, professional development, technology integration training for teachers, transportation outsourcing, technical consulting, hardware and software support, and ISP services. TIES was created in 1967 as a joint powers cooperative of school districts. As the first Minnesota education technology cooperative, TIES was the first organization to bring the Internet to Minnesota schools. Since its inception, TIES has been working with state-mandated data requirements, advising districts on state reporting requirements and business rules including playing a pioneering role in developing Minnesota reporting requirements and databases.

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2. Description of Solicitation

2.1. GENERAL

TIES is initiating this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to solicit proposals from qualified firms or individuals (“Proposers”) to enter into contracts for network connectivity solutions to multiple service points and datacenters, including dark fiber leases, wavelength, Metro Ethernet, or MPLS services. Vendors may submit proposals for one or more of these services. These are mission critical services requiring highly qualified and experienced vendors with a demonstrated record of excellent performance and customer service in the relevant service area.

2.2. Estimated Solicitation Schedule

The following is the anticipated Solicitation Schedule. TIES may, in its sole discretion, change this schedule at any time. If TIES changes dates in the schedule before the deadline for receipt of proposals, it will do so by an addendum to this RFP. It is each prospective Proposer’s responsibility to check with TIES for current information regarding this RFP and its implementation timeline.

Activity Date Time

Publish RFP 8/11/2016 2:00 PM CST

Cutoff for Questions Submitted and Clarifications 8/19/2016 2:00 PM CST

Proposal Due Date 9/16/2016 2:00 PM CST

Notice of Tentative Contract Award 10/21/2016

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3. RFP Rules and Guidelines3.1. Communications

Throughout the procurement process, Proposers may “only” have contact with the TIES RFP contact identified below. Discussions or communications regarding this solicitation with any other individuals associated in any capacity with TIES, its consultants, contractors, or members of any evaluation team are prohibited, unless otherwise approved in writing by the RFP contact.

Discussions or communications with any other person, regardless of the format, could result in disclosure of proprietary or other competitive sensitive information or otherwise create the appearance of impropriety or unfair competition and, thereby, compromise the integrity of TIES procurement process.

“Proposers” includes subcontractors at all levels and joint venture members, where applicable.

Proposers shall provide immediate written notice to the RFP Contact any time contact has not been limited to the RFP Contact concerning this solicitation, whether initiated by the Proposer or by other TIES employees, consultants, or contractors.

Any violation of this prohibition may result in the disqualification of the Proposer from further participation in this procurement, and from award of any contract or subcontract under this solicitation. Proposers shall be required to include in its Proposal response a certification associated with this communication requirements (See Appendix 1).

This section 3.1 does not apply to communications between an individual associated with TIES and an individual associated with a current provider of service to TIES, so long as such communications are not about this RFP.

The TIES RFP Contact for this procurement is:

Corey Tramm Chief Technology Officer1667 Snelling Ave. NSt. Paul, MN 55108651-999-6502

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3.2. Explanations and Clarifications

Any explanation or clarification desired by a Proposer regarding the meaning or interpretation of any part of this solicitation must be submitted in writing (by mail, or email) by an authorized representative of the Proposer with a clear cross-reference to the relevant RFP section to the RFP Contact with sufficient time to prepare an appropriate response.

Written requests for explanations or clarifications can be submitted at any time; however, must be submitted on or before the date/time indicated in Section 2.2 above. Requests for clarification received after this deadline may not be considered and TIES is under no obligation to address them.

Written explanations or clarifications provided to a Proposer concerning an interpretation of the solicitation will be furnished to all Proposers in an addendum to the solicitation, if such information is necessary in submitting Proposals or if the lack of such information would be prejudicial to uninformed Proposers.

Oral explanations or clarifications given before the award of any contract, at any pre-Proposal conferences or otherwise, do not serve to modify the solicitation and will not be binding on TIES.

3.3. MODIFICATION/ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SOLICITATION ADDENDA.

TIES reserves the right to modify the solicitation. If it is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged.

When the solicitation is modified, the RFP Contact shall post a solicitation “addendum” on TIES’ “Procurement

Proposal Site” which is located at: www.ties.k12.mn.us, under the drop down menu Who We Are/Connect With Us/Procurement Proposal Site. Proposers are responsible for appropriately registering on TIES Procurement Proposal Site; otherwise they will not receive notification of, nor be able to access, solicitation addenda. TIES is under no further obligation to ensure that Proposers receive addenda.

Proposers shall acknowledge receipt of any addendum to this solicitation to the RFP Contact: (i) by signing and returning the addendum; or (ii) by identifying the addendum number and date in the space provided for this purpose on the form for submitting a Proposal (See Appendix 1); or (iii) by letter or by electronic means.

The RFP Contact must receive acknowledgment of addenda by the time and at the place specified for receipt of Proposals.

Failure of a Proposer to acknowledge receipt of material addenda may result in rejection of the Proposal as non-responsive.

3.4. PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS—GENERAL.

Examine the Entire Solicitation. Prior to submission of Proposals, Proposers are expected to thoroughly examine all provisions of and Attachments/Appendices to the solicitation, whether incorporated by reference or otherwise. Failure to do so will be at the Proposer's risk and will not be a basis for the Proposer to request relief of any kind prior to or after contract award.

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Exceptions to Solicitation. If the Proposer cannot accept TIES’ terms, conditions or requirements, the Proposer shall raise their exceptions in writing as specified in the “Explanations & Clarifications” provision, above, and TIES will address them in the form of an addendum to the RFP. It is TIES sole discretion as to whether or not it will accept or deny any exceptions raised by Proposers.

Furnish Information. Proposers shall furnish all information required by the Solicitation. Unnecessarily elaborate Proposals or lengthy presentations are not desired or required; however, Proposals should be clear, concise, and include sufficient detail for effective evaluation. The Proposer is cautioned that it is the Proposer's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories, and that TIES is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included in its Proposal. Failure by the Proposer to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of its Proposal.

General Format.

Erasures or other changes must be initialed by the person signing the Proposal. Proposals signed by an agent of the Proposer (other than an officer or a partner) should be accompanied by evidence of the agent's authority (unless such evidence has been previously furnished to TIES.)

Proposal documents shall be prepared in single-spaced type, on 8-1/2" x 11" pages. Pages shall be numbered to show the page number and total number of pages in the Proposal (e.g., Page 1 of 15, Page 2 of 15, etc.).

To provide uniformity and to facilitate comparison of Proposals, all information submitted should clearly refer to the page number, section, or other identifying reference in this RFP.

All names and applicable titles shall be typed and printed where indicated on the various documents. Required entries on all Proposal documents shall be typed using black ribbon, printed using dark printer ink, or legibly written in dark ink (no pencil).

Required Signatures. All Proposals must be signed by an individual authorized to extend a formal Proposal. Proposals that are not signed may be rejected. By signing the Proposal, the Proposer certifies compliance with the signature authority required. If the Proposal is submitted on behalf of:

An individual, sole proprietorship, or a Proposer operating under a trade name, the Proposal shall be signed by that individual;

A partnership, the Proposal shall be executed in the partnership name and signed by all partners or by a managing partner accompanied by evidence of that partner’s ability to sign for the partnership. The official address of the partnership shall be shown below the signatures;

A corporation, the Proposal shall be executed in the corporate name by the president or vice-president (or other corporate officer accompanied by the evidence of that officer’s authority to sign for the corporation); or

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A joint venture or other type of teaming arrangement, the Proposal shall list the names of all of the joint venture or teaming arrangement members, and each member’s official mailing address. It shall be executed by all of the members in the same manner as if they were individually submitting a Proposal. The signature portion of the Proposal form shall be altered as appropriate for execution by the joint venture or teaming arrangement.

Alternate Proposals. Proposers may submit more than one Proposal. All Proposals must comply with the requirements of the RFP except that additional Proposals may incorporate, by reference, repetitive information which is provided in the original Proposal.

Trade Secrets or Other Confidential Information. Proposers must clearly mark each page of the Proposal that contains trade secrets or other confidential commercial or financial information, which the Proposer believes should not be disclosed outside TIES. However, disclosure of requested information can only be protected to the extent permitted under Minnesota law.

Use of Subcontractors. If the Proposer intends to use subcontractors to perform any portion of the work described in this RFP, the Proposal must clearly state so. The Proposer’s response must include a description of which portion(s) of the work will be sub-contracted out and the names and addresses of potential subcontractors under the Contract.

Proposal Preparation Costs. TIES shall not be liable for any costs incurred by a Proposer in responding to this RFP, regardless of whether TIES awards the Contract through this process, cancels this RFP for any reason, or contracts through another RFP or another process.

Errors and Omissions. The Proposer is expected to comply with the true intent of this RFP taken as a whole and shall not avail itself of any errors or omissions to the detriment of the services. Should the Proposer suspect any error, omission, or discrepancy in the scope of work or other portions of the RFP, the Proposer shall immediately notify TIES, in writing, and TIES shall issue written instructions to be followed. The Proposer is responsible for the contents of its Proposal and for satisfying the requirements set forth in the RFP.

Firm Offer Period. Offers must be kept firm for acceptance by TIES for at least one hundred twenty (120) days after the date that Proposals are due. Proposals with acceptance periods of less than one hundred twenty (120) days may be considered non-responsive. The Proposer may specify a longer period than indicated here. If the Proposer indicates no time period for acceptance, the Proposal will be considered firm for one hundred twenty (120) days and thereafter until written notice to the contrary is received.

3.5. PROPOSAL CONTENT.

General. Submit one (1) original (clearly marked as “Original”) and one (1) copy of the Proposal in a sealed package clearly marked with the RFP number and addressed as indicated in Appendix 1.

Electronic Copy. Submit a CD or a USB drive—which Proposer warrants to be free of viruses and malware—containing your complete Proposal in .pdf format.

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Proposal Format. The Proposal response shall be set out in the Sections outlined below. A blank page should precede each Section with an index tab that identifies the appropriate Section. These sections represent the minimum amount of information required by TIES. Proposers are encouraged to add content if needed; however, unnecessarily elaborate Proposals are discouraged.

Proposal Format

● Cover of Proposal – clearly identified with:o “Network Infrastructure Services”o “RFP # TIES020160001”o [Name of Proposing Firm]

● Table of Contentso Indicate Tab # and page # for listings below

● Tab I – Qualifications & Experienceo Provide the name of your organization or company and include the date and

location of incorporation, principal officers, board of directors, number of employees, size and locations of field offices, company history and organizational structure.

o Provide the name, function and qualifications of the individuals within your organization who will be assigned to this project and perform the actual work.

o Demonstrate adequate financial resources and the requisite capacity, capability, and facilities to provide the Services.

o If the Proposer is a Joint Venture, provide a copy of the Joint Venture agreement.● Tab II – Past Performance and Customer Service

o Submit detailed information regarding your past performance, including but not limited to, adherence to SLAs, references, and TIES’ own experience. Demonstrate a satisfactory record of performance on other comparable projects, a record of integrity and business ethics.

o Provide customer service and technical support offerings, including but not limited to, hours of operation, contact information, methods for customer interaction, incident management, escalation procedures, and self-service tools and reporting capabilities.

o Provide at least three current references that TIES may contact to evaluate customer satisfaction. References from similar institutions as TIES are preferred. Please provide full identification and contact information for each reference.

o Identify any lawsuits, investigations, complaints, or administrative actions in the last 5 years regarding Proposer and/or any individual who will be assigned to this project and perform work.

o Identify any transaction in which the Proposer has been debarred from providing services to government entity.

● Tab III – Technical Considerations, Project Management, Implementation & Schedule

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o Submit detailed information regarding your approach and the methodology you will employ in performing the required work including a detailed project plan and timeline.

● Tab IV – Commercial Termso Submit proposed commercial terms of service tied to your price proposal (e.g.,

warranties and maintenance; termination of individual services; outage credits). ● Tab V -- Mandatory Forms

o Submit completed forms as noted in Appendix 1.● Tab VI – Price Proposal

o Use price proposal sheets attached to solicitation document.

3.6. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS.

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals. The deadline for receipt of Proposals is September 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (“CST”).

Proposer’s Agreement. By Proposal submission, Proposers agree to all requirements, terms and conditions contained in the RFP.

Packaging and Delivery.

Proposals and modifications thereof shall be enclosed in sealed envelopes or sealed cartons and submitted to TIES’ Office at the address specified below.

3.6.1.1. The Proposer shall show the hour and date specified in the solicitation for receipt of Proposals, the solicitation number, and the Proposer's name, address, and telephone number on the face of the envelope or carton.

Telegraphic Proposals and modifications (i.e., email) will not be considered; however, Proposals may be withdrawn by written or telegraphic notice, provided such notice is received prior to the hour and date specified for receipt of Proposals.

The deliver address is:

TIES1667 Snelling Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108Attention: Corey Tramm

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The Proposer remains solely responsible for ensuring that its Proposal is received before the time and date due, at the appropriate delivery address. Late Proposals will be returned unopened (See the Late Submission and Modifications of Proposal paragraph, below).

3.7. PROPOSAL MATERIALS

The Proposal material submitted in response to the RFP becomes the property of TIES upon delivery to the RFP Contact and may be appended, if necessary, to any formal document which would further define or expand the contractual relationship between TIES and the Contractor. All of the material will be considered as part of this RFP.

3.8. LATE SUBMISSION AND MODIFICATIONS OF PROPOSALS

Any Proposal received after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered unless:

It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the fifth calendar day prior to the date specified for receipt of Proposals (e.g., a Proposal submitted in response to a solicitation requiring receipt of Proposals by the 20th of the month must have been mailed by the 15th or earlier); or

It is determined by TIES that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by TIES after receipt at TIES' office;

It was sent by US Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service - Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 p.m. at the place of mailing two (2) working days prior to the date specified for receipt of Proposals. The term "working days" excludes weekends, State of Minnesota and US Federal holidays; or

It was the only proposal received.

Any modification of a Proposal, except a modification resulting from the RFP Contact’s request for a "best and final" offer, is subject to the same conditions in Section 3.8.1.

Any modification of a Proposal should be prepared on company letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, and state that the new document supersedes or modifies the prior Proposals, and resubmitted to the RFP Contact as required pursuant to this RFP.

A modification resulting from the RFP Contact’s request for a "best and final" offer received after the time and date specified in the request will not be considered unless received before award, and the late receipt is due solely to mishandling by TIES.

The time of receipt at TIES is the time-date stamp of TIES on the Proposal wrapper or other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by TIES.

The only acceptable evidence to establish:

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The date of mailing of a late offer or modification sent either by registered or certified mail is the U.S. Postal Service postmark on either the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If neither postmark shows a legible date, the Proposal, modification or withdrawal shall be deemed to have been mailed late. The term "postmark" means a printed, stamped, or otherwise placed impression, exclusive of a postage meter machine impression, that is readily identifiable without further action as having been supplied and affixed on the date of mailing by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Therefore, Proposers should request the postal clerk to place a hand cancellation bull's-eye "postmark" on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper; and

The time of receipt at TIES is the time-date stamp of TIES on the proposal wrapper or other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the TIES.

The date of mailing of a late Proposal, modification, or withdrawal sent by U. S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service - Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the post office receiving clerk on the "Express Mail Next Day Service - Post Office to Addressee" label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U. S. Postal Service. "Postmark" has the same meaning as defined in paragraph 3.8.6.1. Therefore, Proposers should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation bull's-eye "postmark" on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

Notwithstanding paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of this provision, a late modification of an otherwise successful Proposal which makes its terms more favorable to TIES may be considered at any time it is received and accepted.

3.9. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice to the RFP Contact before the deadline established for receipt of Proposals. If withdrawn in writing, withdrawals must be made on company letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of the Proposer. Proposals may only be withdrawn by the Proposer’s authorized representative, provided the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt.

3.10. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

No Public Opening. Proposals shall not be publicly opened. Upon receipt of Proposals, the RFP Contact will initiate the evaluation and selection process, to include a general review to determine if Proposals comply with the solicitation provisions and contain the required information and submittals. If they do not, the RFP Contact may reject them.

Selection Committee. A Selection Committee shall be appointed to evaluate Proposals. Appointments are at the sole discretion of TIES.

Substantiation of Proposals. TIES reserves the right to require each Proposer to substantiate any aspect of the Proposal, its own qualifications for providing the services required, and any other area of interest relative to the Proposal response.

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Evaluation Criteria. The following evaluation factors, which track the information requested in the “Proposal Content” in section 3.5, will be used in determining the best qualified Proposal. TIES will score Proposals on a point system , with some criteria being graded on a pass/fail basis. Proposers who fail any criterion may have their Proposal rejected. A total of 300 points will be available as follows:

Qualifications and experience: 50 points

Past performance and customer service: 50 points

Technical Considerations, Project Management, Implementation and schedule: 50 points

Commercial terms: 50 points

Mandatory forms: pass/fail

Price proposal: 75 points

Interview (if requested): 25 points


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Paring Down Process. Proposals will be evaluated to determine if they are “Acceptable”, “Potentially Acceptable” (that is, susceptible of being made “Acceptable”), or “Unacceptable”. Proposals evaluated as technically “Unacceptable” shall be rejected, and will receive no further consideration for award. For Proposals determined to be technically “Acceptable” or “Potentially Acceptable” TIES may:

Proceed directly to award of contract; or

Request clarifications and/or require phone, oral, or in person presentations (at the Proposer’s expense) which will include a product demonstration, and proceed to award of contract; or

Reject Proposals determined to be “Unacceptable”, request clarifications and/or require oral presentations, and/or hold substantive discussions/negotiations with Proposers determined to be within a “competitive range” and request “best and final offers” following discussions/negotiations.

Competitive Range. If a competitive range is established, it will consist only of those Proposals that have a reasonable chance of being selected for award.

Discussions/Negotiations. If discussions/negotiations occur, they may include both the technical and financial aspects of the Proposals.

Best and Final Offers. At the conclusion of any discussions/negotiations, the RFP Contact will set a firm date and time for the submission of best and final offers.

If a Proposer chooses not to submit a best and final offer, its initial Proposal, to include financials, shall be evaluated for award.

If TIES chooses to invoke this option, Proposals would be re-evaluated by incorporating the information requested in the best and final offer. The specific format for the best and final offer would be determined during discussions/negotiations.

Turnaround time for responding to a best and final offer(s) request is usually brief (e.g., not more than five (5) business days).

Final Negotiations of Terms/Conditions with Best Proposer. Once the best Proposal(s) is tentatively selected, TIES and selected Proposer(s) will enter into negotiations to arrive at mutually agreeable terms and conditions. A Proposal will become final when if a Contract is mutually agreed to, accepted and signed by both parties. Failure to reach final terms and conditions within 30 days will result in rejection of the Proposal. At such time, negotiations shall be formally ended with the Proposer and begun with the next best Proposer. Negotiations shall be undertaken in this manner until a mutually satisfactory contract has been negotiated or the solicitation is canceled. TIES will demonstrate "good faith" in reaching a mutually acceptable contractual agreement. Notwithstanding this, there are certain conditions that are unacceptable to TIES. Following is a non-exclusive list:

Governing law other than the State of Minnesota.

Clauses requiring TIES to indemnify and hold harmless the successful respondent.

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Clauses that unduly restrict or place unacceptable claims of ownership on data which are the subject of the agreement/contract.

Clauses relating to requiring TIES to enter into reimbursement arrangements relative to attorney's fees.

Insurance coverage and limits that are different.

Post Selection Review. After a final selection has been made and a contract successfully negotiated, TIES will name an apparent successful Proposer. Identification of an apparent successful Proposer is procedural only and creates no right in the named Proposer to award of the Contract. Competing Proposers shall be notified in writing of the identity of the apparent successful Proposer.

Full Security Review and Assessment. Vendor must support and coordinate a full security review and assessment by TIES prior to the award of any contract.

3.11. AWARD OF CONTRACT

Basis of Award. TIES will award a contract by applying Evaluation Criteria to Proposals. TIES may award a contract, based solely on initial Proposals. Accordingly, initial Proposals should be submitted on the most favorable terms from both a technical and price standpoint.

Determination of Responsibility. The Contract will be awarded to the responsible Proposer whose Proposal, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to TIES, technical and price factors considered. A responsible Proposer is one who affirmatively demonstrates to TIES that it has adequate financial resources and the requisite capacity, capability, and facilities to perform the Contract, has a satisfactory record of performance on other comparable projects, has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics, and is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive award under the solicitation and laws or regulations applicable to the procurement. TIES reserves the right to investigate the capabilities of Proposers, confirm any part of the information furnished by a Proposer, and require other evidence to determine that the Proposer is responsible.

Rejection of Proposals & Waiver of Minor Informalities/Irregularities. TIES reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals in part or in total for any reason, to accept any Proposal if considered best for its interest, and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in Proposals received, commensurate with best public procurement practices.

Notice of Award. Any award of a Contract resulting from this RFP will be made only by written authorization from TIES.

Terms and Conditions. Section 5 outlines the terms and conditions under which the Proposer will agree to perform all work required under this Solicitation.

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Sample Contract Language. Section 5 is sample contract language that the Contractor will agree to incorporate into the final Contract. There are certain sections within the sample Contract that are non-negotiable including but not limited to 1) the insurance coverages and limits as detailed, 2) governing law other than the State of Minnesota, 3) clauses requiring TIES to indemnify and hold harmless the Contractor, 4) clauses that unduly restrict or place unacceptable claims of ownership on data which are subject of the agreement/contract, and 5) clauses relating to requiring TIES to enter into reimbursement arrangements relative to attorney’s fees.

Proposer’s Responsibility for Services Proposed. It is understood and the Proposer hereby agrees it shall be solely responsible for all services they propose, notwithstanding the detail present in the RFP.

3.12. CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION.

TIES may cancel this solicitation before or after receipt of Proposals.

3.13. COMPLAINTS OR PROTESTS.

Complaints or protests associated with this solicitation must be submitted to the RFP contact in writing. No oral complaints will be acted upon.

4. Scope of Services and Requirements4.1. SCOPE OVERVIEW AND DETAILS

TIES is seeking proposals for IRU Dark Fiber leases, with a three-year term, with option to renew at one-year terms for an additional two years, to connect TIES network services customers to three datacenters. TIES may accept longer term lengths for the interconnections between the three main datacenter service points. Alternatively, Vendor may propose wavelength, Ethernet services, or MPLS service provided such services meet relevant performance criteria. Proposers may propose use a mix of IRU, wavelength, Ethernet services, and/or layer2 MPLS service. These are mission critical services requiring highly qualified and experienced vendors with a demonstrated record of excellent performance and customer service in Minnesota.

Service Points. TIES has two separate sets of service points with different service requirements.

Datacenter Service Points. TIES collocates infrastructure in three datacenters. Refer to Appendix 2 for the addresses of these service points.

Datacenter Service Point Interconnections. Vendor will provide two connections over two diverse service paths between each datacenter, including separate building entrances in each location.

4.1.1.1.1. Vendor will provide pricing for ten-gigabit and 100-gigabit channel services for wavelength and Ethernet service proposals.

Customer Site Service Points. Refer to Appendix 3 for the addresses, bandwidth and redundancy requirements for these service points.

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4.1.1.1.2. Customer Site Service Point Interconnections. Vendor will provide pricing for two single connections between the customer location and two separate datacenter service points. For each proposal, TIES has sole discretion whether to contract for no connection, a single connection, or dual connections from each customer service point(s). TIES has sole discretion to select no Proposer's proposal for any particular customer service point connection.

4.2. General

General (Mandatory and applies to all services)

Vendor shall describe its qualifications to meet the RFP specifications in terms of past and current experience, including, but not limited to, network infrastructure (footprint, capacity, diversity), service offering (peering services, QoS, etc.), change management process, monitoring (NOC) and incident/problem management, maintenance schedules, and maturity of services and processes.

Vendor shall install all services and leased equipment included in the proposal.

Vendor shall fully describe any and all responsibilities of TIES with regard to the proposed services.

Rates provided to TIES cannot be constrained by rates provided to other customers.

Vendors may provide alternate service proposals for service points where a particular service is not available or when the alternate service meets all service criteria at a significantly lower cost.

For Dark Fiber IRU and wavelength services, vendor must own or have rights to use the “last mile” fiber network to each location for which a proposal is submitted.

TIES prefers to utilize a single Proposer for all services, but reserves the right to accept portions of proposals, and use more than one vendor to provide the services described in this RFP.

Vendor shall provide a detailed map of the proposed fiber routes from their points-of-presence to the service point used to provide service to each facility.

Vendor shall provide a network topology map for the service area. Vendor shall clearly identify on the topology map any sections of the network used to provide service to TIES (including redundant/backup circuits/links), but not owned by vendor. Vendor shall name the underlying carrier for each section of the network not owned by vendor.

For each service type proposed, Vendor must provide redundant service paths as for service points where redundancy is required as noted in column three of the table in section 6.3. Redundancy should include physical backhoe (25 foot separation) as well as logical redundancy.

Vendor shall describe customer service and technical support offerings, including, but not limited to, hours of operation, contact information, methods for customer interaction, incident management, escalation procedures, and self-service tools.

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Vendor shall provide at least two (2) references in Minnesota for each of the services for which it submits a proposal.

Vendor shall provide a detailed service level agreement (if different) for each service for which vendor submits a proposal. The service level agreement must include, but is not limited to, the vendor’s definition of a service outage, Mean Time to Respond, Mean Time to Repair, network performance characteristics, credits for failure to meet the service level agreement. TIES prefers that vendor monitor its services and automatically issue a credit if it fails to meet the SLA(s). If vendor is unable to do this, vendor shall include in the proposal the procedure for requesting a credit.

Vendor shall schedule service-impacting maintenance with TIES at least two (2) weeks in advance.

Vendor shall provide a report to TIES within 48 hours for any unscheduled, service-impacting outages. At a minimum, this report must include:

4.2.1.1.1. Duration of outage (including dates and times)4.2.1.1.2. Service impact (including locations and specific services)4.2.1.1.3. Root cause summary4.2.1.1.4. Remediation steps summary

4.3. DARK FIBER IRU.

A connection is defined as two unlit, non-routed segments or strands of fiber meeting specifications defined in subsequent sections. The Vendors shall determine the final design using the end points defined in Appendix 2 & 3 and may propose aggregation points based upon their network layout.

Outside Plant (OSP) Construction Specifications. All new fiber optic cable facilities (link-segments) designed and constructed as part of this project must be constructed in accordance with the OSP construction specifications as detailed in this chapter.

Any new Fiber installed must meet SMF-28/GR/253 fiber specifications with a minimum fiber count of any new constructed fiber optic facility of 36 fibers.

Armored Fiber Optic Cable

Single Jacket

Loose Tubes, Three tubes of 12 fibers each (Dri-Core)

12 total Single Mode fibers

Color-coded Buffer Tubes

Non-Armored Cable (Kevlar) Kevlar Cable must be in duct and must include a #10 AWG Copper Clad steel tracer wire with .045 PE HMWPE manufactured by Kris-Tech and be placed inside the duct.

When placed in buildings, all work shall be done in compliance with the NEC 2014, National Fire Safety Code and any applicable local or State building codes.

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4.3.1.1.1. If required, All Fiber optical cable installed in the building shall be plenum rated or installed in vendor furnished metallic conduit per NEC 800-50.

All Buried fiber must be placed in continuous 2” HDPE. Upon completion of a link segment, all conduits shall have a pull rope available for future use.

Fiber Optic Cable Method of Termination Specifications.

All fiber optic cable facilities furnished as part of this project must be terminated in accordance with specifications in this chapter. Unless otherwise stated, the vendor shall terminate all fiber optic cable on either rack-mounted Bulkheads or wall-mounted Fiber Distribution Panels (FDPs), furnished by the vendor located inside the site’s equipment room.

All vendor provided rack mounted bulkheads or FDPs shall be equipped with SC style connectors.

Vendor shall furnish the appropriate SMF Jumpers from the rack mounted Bulkhead Panel or the FDP to the TIES’ equipment rack.

Rack Mounted FDP at each site shall be CORNING Closet Connector Housing CCH-01U (or approved equivalent)

Wall Mounted FDP if required for a hospital demarcation shall be: CORNING Wall Mountable Connector Housing WCH-02P (or approved equivalent)

Splice all fibers. There must be continuity of all fibers from the specified TIES’ termination point to the specified TIES’ termination point. Each fiber must be tested end to end at 1310 and 1550 nm and the loss recorded.

Vendor Responsibilities.

Vendor shall provide all OSP materials, labor, and services needed to install a fiber optic facility between the points listed in Appendix 3.

Installation is construed to mean all digging, trenching, plowing, boring, hand holes, tubs, connectors, splicing, terminations, pigtails, landscape and road restoration, and testing as needed for the placement of a 36-count fiber optic cable between the termination points.

The contractor duties include obtaining any city, county and state permits, easements, securing all outside plant materials to complete the project, submitting red-lined construction drawings per site, documenting all fiber testing, and coordinating other related issues with the consortiums project manager. Contractor is responsible for all One-Call notifications.

Testing.

Upon notice by the Vendor that each link-segment is ready for testing and acceptance, a representative for TIES will jointly with the vendor, complete the checklist as shown in Exhibit B, (Link-Segment Completion Checklist). The vendor, when submitting for payment, will submit the completed and signed copy of the checklist.

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The vendor shall test each link-segment from the TIES termination point bulkhead using appropriate and approved makes and models of test equipment. Vendor shall perform an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer sweep of the cable showing the total loss in decibels for the end-to-end link segment. Prior to testing, the vendor shall submit the list (make, model, and date of last calibration), of the proposed test equipment to the TIES project coordinator.

4.4. WAVELENGTH SERVICES (ALTERNATIVE #1)

A Connection is considered two direct, lit, non-routed dedicated wavelengths capable of carrying 10 Gigabit Ethernet to 100 Gigabit channels.

All vendor-provided rack mounted WDM equipment shall be equipped with SC style connectors.

Splice all fibers. There must be continuity of all fibers from the specified TIES’ termination point to the specified TIES’ termination point. Each fiber must be tested end to end at 1310 and 1550 nm and the loss recorded.

TIES will provide SFP/SFP+ optics to light the fiber pairs. Up to 80km-rated optics can be used. Cost of tuned and/or longer range optics, if necessary, should be included in the cost of the proposal.

TIES currently utilizes Extreme Networks Summit series switches running the XOS operating system as service point equipment.

Testing.

Upon notice by the Vendor that each link-segment is ready for testing and acceptance, a representative for TIES will jointly with the vendor, complete the checklist as shown in Exhibit B, (Link-Segment Completion Checklist). The vendor, when submitting for payment, will submit the completed and signed copy of the checklist.

The vendor shall test each link-segment from the TIES termination point bulkhead using appropriate and approved makes and models of test equipment. Vendor shall perform an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer sweep of the cable showing the total loss in decibels for the end-to-end link segment. Prior to testing, the vendor shall submit the list (make, model, and date of last calibration), of the proposed test equipment to the TIES project coordinator.

4.5. ETHERNET PRIVATE LINE (ALTERNATIVE #2)

Connection Definition. Connections are defined as full duplex MEF standards-compliant Ethernet Private Line (EPL) services comprising one or ten gigabit service channels.

CIR is expected to be the full one or ten gigabit channel capacity. CIR of two or five gigabits per second over a ten-gigabit channel may be proposed, but clearly noted.

Layer two transparency. EPL services must transparently pass bridge protocol data units and discovery protocol frames between TIES termination equipment. Pause frames are excluded from this requirement.

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EPL must transport unicast, multicast and broadcast service frames.

EPL must support a 1600-byte MTU minimum.

EPL must support CoS.

EPL must support VLAN transparency and tag preservation.

Vendor must provide jumpers from a vendor-installed and managed rack-mounted service demarcation appliance and specify optic or copper interconnections to TIES equipment. For optic connections, TIES will provide SFP/SFP+ optics.

TIES currently uses Extreme Networks Summit switches at customer service points.

4.6. ETHERNET VIRTUAL PRIVATE LINE (ALTERNATIVE #3)

Connection Definition. Connections are defined as full duplex MEF standards-compliant Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) services comprising one or ten gigabit service channels.


EVPL must transport unicast, multicast and broadcast service frames.

EVPL must support a 1600-byte MTU minimum.

EVPL must support CoS.

EVPL must support VLAN transparency and tag preservation.


TIES currently uses Extreme Networks Summit switches running the XOS operating system at customer service points.

4.7. ETHERNET LAN (ALTERNATIVE #4)

Connection Definition. Connections are defined as full duplex MEF standards-compliant Ethernet LAN (E-LAN) services comprising one or ten gigabit service channels.


E-LAN must transport unicast, multicast and broadcast service frames.

E-LAN must tunnel Layer 2 control protocol frames.

E-LAN must support a 1600-byte MTU minimum.

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E-LAN must support CoS.

E-LAN must support VLAN transparency and tag preservation.


TIES currently uses Extreme Networks Summit switches running the XOS operating system at customer service

points.

4.8. Multi-Protocol Label Service/Virtual Private LAN Service (Alternative 5#)

Connection Definition. Connections are defined as end-to-end Multiprotocol Label Service (MPLS) Label Switch Paths (LSPs) or Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) pseudo-wire services traversing an MPLS environment and presented as full one or ten gigabit Ethernet service channels at each service point.

Fully-meshed. MPLS/VPLS solutions must be full mesh, including connections from each service point to all other service points.

Subrate ten-gigabit channels greater than one gigabit may be proposed, but clearly noted.

MPLS/VPLS must transport unicast, multicast and broadcast frames

MPLS/VPLS must support 1600-byte MTU minimum.

MPLS/VPLS must support CoS.

MPLS/VPLS must support VLAN transparency and tag preservation.


TIES currently uses Extreme Networks Summit switches running the XOS operating system at customer service points.

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4.9. Managed Network Services (Alternate #6)

Managed network services and are defined as end-to-end ownership and management of customer edge equipment, NOC services, associated service level agreements, customer reports, dashboards, portals and related customer-facing monitoring tools.

Managed service solutions must support TIES routing architecture, including OSPF and OSPFv3, along with BGP peering at the edge with multiple transit and customer peers.

Vender shall provide adequate training to TIES operations staff on change request execution, incident handling and communication, and all informational interfaces, such as reports, dashboards, portals and similar tools.

Vendor shall provide descriptions and differential pricing to add managed services, if available, to Alternatives # 2 through #5, using the managed network services price sheet in Appendix 1.


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5. Terms and Conditions5.1. GENERAL.

The following terms and conditions are exemplary of any contract entered into by the Proposer (Vendor) and TIES as a result of this RFP:

Vendor shall promptly commence and diligently prosecute the Services in a safe, careful, skillful, efficient and workmanlike manner in accordance with recognized methods and practices, in compliance with all lawful policies of TIES, and in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, orders and permits, now existing or hereinafter enacted with respect to the Services and the Vendor, including but not limited to, laws relating to equal employment opportunity, as well as all generally accepted standards applicable to such work.

Vendor shall certify and warrant that to its knowledge, no officer or employee of the State of Minnesota or TIES has participated in any decision relating to issuance of the Contract which affects his/her personal interest or the interest of any corporation, partnership, or association in which they are directly or indirectly interested, as set forth in applicable Minnesota state law and statute. Vendor shall certify and warrant that it (a) has full power and authority to enter into the Contract, and (b) will not hereafter enter into any agreement or understanding with anyone else that might conflict with such Contract entered into by TIES and Vendor.

Unless otherwise directed by TIES in writing, Vendor shall secure all necessary permits, licenses, easements, and bonds (if applicable) and identification numbers required to perform the Services and shall pay all fees in connection therewith. Vendor shall be fully responsible for compliance with same and shall fulfill all obligations in relation thereto. If requested, Vendor shall provide TIES with copies of all permits, licenses, easements, bonds and identification numbers required to perform the Services.

Vendor shall provide to TIES all documentation necessary and required to show proof of insurance and proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage prior to TIES executing this Agreement. Vendor further agrees and understands that failure to maintain the required insurance as stated in any Contract issued pursuant to this RFP may lead to termination of any Contract, in the sole discretion of TIES.

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Vendor shall perform the Services as an independent contractor. TIES is interested only in the results to be achieved and compliance by Vendor with the terms and conditions of the Contract and all applicable laws. The conduct and control of the Services shall lie solely and exclusively with Vendor. Neither Vendor nor any of its agents, employees, subcontractors, servants or invitees (collectively “Vendor’s Employees”) shall be considered an agent or employee of TIES, nor shall anything in the Contract be construed as creating a single enterprise or joint venture, for any purpose. Vendor’s Employees are not entitled to any benefits provided by TIES for its employees. However, the work shall be subject to the right of inspection and approval by TIES and all applicable governmental authorities. Vendor shall be solely responsible for the acts of Vendor and Vendor’s Employees during the performance of the Services.

Examination of Records and Vendors Progress. TIES shall have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of Vendor involving transactions related to the Contract until the expiration of three years after final payment is made to Vendor under the Contract. In the performance of the Services, Vendor has the authority to control and direct the performance of the details of the work, TIES being interested only in the results obtained. However, the work performed must meet TIES’ standards and approval and shall be subject to TIES’ general right of inspection and supervision to secure the satisfactory completion thereof.

Publicity. It is also agreed that no advertising publicity matter having or containing any reference to TIES, or in which the name is mentioned, shall be made use of by the Vendor or anyone on the Vendor’s behalf unless and until the same shall have first been submitted to, and received the written approval of, an authorized representative of TIES.

Non-Discrimination. The Vendor agrees: (a) not to discriminate in any manner against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical or mental handicap unrelated in nature and extent so as reasonably to preclude the performance of such employment; (b) to include a provision similar to that contained in subsection (a), above, in any subcontract except a subcontract for standard commercial supplies or raw materials; and (c) to post and to cause subcontractors to post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the substance of this clause.

Intellectual Property. All of the materials developed by Vendor and all materials prepared for and delivered to TIES by Vendor under the Contract shall belong exclusively to TIES and shall be deemed to be works made for hire and TIES shall be the sole owner of all copyright and other proprietary rights (both tangible and intangible), title and interest therein, including the right to revise, edit, and distribute same. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in the Contract shall convey or transfer ownership of or rights to Vendor’s Intellectual Property. For the purpose of the Contract, Vendor’s Intellectual Property shall mean and include those tools, templates, reporting formats and other items or artifacts that Vendor employs as part of its normal business. In the event Services resulting from the Contract include such Vendor’s Intellectual Property, then Vendor shall grant a limited, royalty free, exclusive right to TIES to use such Vendor’s Intellectual Property as it deems fit to carry out the purposes contemplated by the Contract.

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Indemnification. Vendor shall agree to indemnify, defend, and hold whole and harmless TIES, its affiliates, and their respective Board of Governors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against all claims, demands, causes of action, losses, costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of defense (collectively, “Losses”), arising out of or incident to (a) Vendor’s performance under the Contract, (b) the presence of Vendor, its employees, agents or invitees on TIES premises, (c) any breach of any warranty of Vendor, and (d) any claim of patent, trademark, copyright, franchise or other intellectual property infringement by goods and/or service provided by Vendor pursuant to the Contract; provided that Vendor shall not be liable for Losses to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of TIES.

Insurance. During the term of the Contract, Vendor shall procure, at its own expense, and maintain for the duration of the Contract, the following insurance coverage from insurers licensed or registered to do business in the State of Minnesota: (a) Commercial general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate; (b) Worker’s Compensation insurance in accordance with applicable statutory limits (c) Commercial Automobile insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence for all owned, non-owned, hired, leased, rented, and employee non-owned vehicles, (d) where applicable, professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim/loss and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, with proof that coverage shall remain in effect for a minimum of three years from the date of completion of the project, Vendor shall provide such other insurance as may be required by law. All insurance carried by Vendor in connection with the Services shall list TIES as an additional insured and such insurance shall be primary and not contributory as to any other insurance TIES may have in effect. The Vendor shall provide a certificate of insurance to TIES evidencing required coverage prior to commencement of the Services. All policies shall provide a minimum of thirty (30) calendar day's written notice prior to cancellation or material change. The insurance company(ies) providing the above described coverage shall have an AM Best Rating of no less than (A-) excellent.

TIES does not express any opinion as to the sufficiency of the liability limits set forth above. The insurance required under the Contract is not a limitation of any liability of Vendor.

Bonding. Vendor must have performance and payment bond bonding capacity or ability to obtain bonding capacity with respect to any improvements on public school property, as required by Minnesota law.

Confidentiality of Information. In order for the Vendor to effectively provide the Services required under the Contract, it may be necessary or desirable for TIES to disclose to the Vendor confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets pertaining to TIES’ past, present and future activities. The Vendor shall agree to treat information which has been designated to the Vendor by TIES in writing as being confidential and proprietary information or trade secrets in a confidential manner. The Vendor shall further agree that it will not disclose any such information so designated to anyone outside of TIES during the period of the Contract, pursuant to this RFP or thereafter without the prior written consent of TIES, unless the Vendor is required to disclose any such information for the following reasons: 1) To comply with a legal or court order, 2) to defend itself or pursue its legal rights in a legal proceeding, or 3) to protect the health, safety, or welfare or others.

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Force Majeure. Neither Vendor nor TIES shall be liable for any failure or delay in its performance of the Contract if such failure or delay is directly or indirectly occasioned by an event of Force Majeure. For purposes hereof, "Force Majeure" means any event beyond the control of either party and which is relied upon by either party as justification for delay in, or as excuse from complying with, any obligation required of the party under the Contract. Force Majeure events may include, without limitation: (i) an act of God, war, terrorism, landslide, lightning, earthquake, fire, explosion, storm, flood or similar occurrence; (ii) any act of any federal, state, county or local court, administrative agency or governmental office or body that the party invoking the clause could not have reasonably prevented;; (iii) any work stoppages, strikes, picketing, labor dispute, that prevents a service from being provided; (iv) the institution of a legal or administrative action or similar proceeding by any person or entity that delays or prevents any aspect of the Services, except to the extent that such action could have been reasonably prevented. In the event of Force Majeure, and during the continuance thereof, the specific performance obligations impacted shall be suspended and neither party shall have any liability to the other. If the Force Majeure continues unabated for a period of sixty (60) days and renders either party unable, wholly or in part, to carry out any material part of its obligations under the Contract, then either party shall have the right to request a modification of the Contract to eliminate the impacted service.

Changes. TIES may, from time to time, request changes in the scope of the Services to be performed under the Contract. Such changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of the Vendor’s compensation, which are mutually agreed upon by the parties, shall be incorporated by written amendment.

Jurisdiction; Governing Law. The laws of the State of Minnesota shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of the Contract.

Successors and Assigns. The Contract shall bind and benefit the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. The personal skill, judgment and abilities of the Vendor are an essential element of the Contract. Therefore, although the parties recognize that the Vendor may employee qualified personnel to provide services under the Vendor’s supervision, the Vendor shall not assign, transfer or subcontract any portion of the services to another party without the prior written consent of TIES.

Life of Contract: This contract becomes effective on execution by both Parties and extends for a period of three (3) year(s) plus any applicable renewal terms, and unless terminated..

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6. Appendices

27

Include the following information on outside of shipping container:

RFP: #TIES020160001

Date Due: September 16, 2016

Time Due: 2:00 CST

Address and Deliver Proposals To:

Corey Tramm

Chief Technology Officer

1667 Snelling Ave. N

St. Paul, MN 55108

6.1 APPENDIX 1: MANDATORY PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORMS

TIES

Procurement, Contracting and Payment Services

Request for Proposals

Network Infrastructure Services: Dark Fiber, Wavelength, Carrier Ethernet

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

28

Name of Firm: (“Proposer”)

Firm Contact:

Phone: Fax:

Email:

Mailing Address: Enter Address:

Enter Address:

Enter City: Enter State: Enter Zip Code:

This Appendix 1 shall appear as the first page of the Proposal response.

By submitting a Proposal in response to TIES Request for Proposal, the Proposer certifies the following:

1. Proposer has not had and will not have discussion or communications regarding this solicitation with any other individuals associated in any capacity with TIES, its employees, consultants, contractors or members of its Board of Governors, other than the RFP Contact. If the Proposer has had discussion or communications, whether initiated by the Proposer or by other TIES employees, consultants, contractors or members of its Board of Directors, the Proposer shall attach to this form, a full description of its discussions or communications or provide prompt written notice to the RFP Contact if the discussion or communication occurred after Proposal submission. This does not apply to communications between an individual associated with TIES and an individual associated with a current provider of service to TIES, so long as such communications are not about this RFP.

2. The Proposal has been developed independently, without consultation or agreement with any individuals associated in any capacity with TIES, its employees, consultants, contractors or members of its Board of Governors;

3. The Proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication or agreement with any other vendor or parties for the purpose of restricting competition;

4. No attempt has been made or will be made by Proposer to induce any other Proposer to submit or not to submit a Proposal for the purpose of restricting competition;

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5. No relationship exists or will exist during the contract period between Proposer and TIES that interferes with fair competition or as a conflict of interest; and

6. Proposer has not and will not offer or give any gratuities (in the form of entertainment, gifts, or otherwise) directly or indirectly, to any person or employee of TIES with a view toward securing favorable treatment in the awarding of any potential Agreement resulting from this solicitation.

Proposals are due not later than September 16, 2016 at 2 p.m., CST. Proposals must be submitted to:

Corey TrammChief Technical Officer1667 Snelling Ave. NSt. Paul, MN 55108

A Proposer who mails a Proposal should allow adequate mailing time to ensure its timely receipt. Proposals received after the time specified in the RFP may not be considered (See Section 3.8, “Late Submission and Modifications of Proposal”). If determined to be received late, all Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

LIABILITY

Proposer agrees to indemnify and save and hold TIES, its agents and employees harmless from any and all claims or causes of action arising out of this RFP by Proposer or Proposer’s agents or employees.


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DISCLAIMERS

This RFP does not obligate TIES to award a Contract or complete the proposed project and TIES reserves the right to cancel this RFP with or without cause or notice. Proposers must include the required information called for in this RFP. TIES reserves the right to reject a Proposal if required information is not provided or is not organized as directed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS:

The above Proposer acknowledges receipt of the following addenda to the solicitation:

(Identify addendum number and date of each.)

Amendment # Date Amendment # Date

This Proposal is submitted by: Name:_____________________________________ (print or type)

Title:_______________________________________ (print or type)

Signature:___________________________________

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PROPOSAL COMPLIANCE FORM

RFP TIES020160001

Vendor affirms that the information contained in the proposal is true and accurately portrays all aspects of the goods or services or both contemplated by this RFP. The Vendor is aware that any substantive misinformation or misrepresentation may disqualify the proposal from further consideration.

Vendor hereby certifies total compliance with all other terms, conditions and specifications of this RFP except as expressly stated below:

Section 3: Introduction

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Section 4, Description of Solicitation

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Section 5, Terms and Conditions

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

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I certify that I have the authority to bind the Vendor indicated below to the specific terms and conditions imposed in this RFP and offered in this proposal, and that by my signature on this document I specifically agree to all of the waivers, restrictions and requirements of this RFP as conditions precedent to submitting this proposal. I further state that in making this proposal that the Vendor has not consulted with others for the purpose of restricting competition or violating State or Federal anti-trust laws and has not knowingly made any false statements in this proposal.

Authorized Signature:_______________________________________

Printed Name:______________________________________________

Title:______________________________________________________

Telephone:_________________________________________________

Fax Number:________________________________________________

E-Mail:_____________________________________________________

Business Name:_____________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Federal ID Number:___________________________________________

USAC SPIN:__________________________________________________

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Page Intentionally Left Blank

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AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION

RFP TIES020160001

_______________________(Name of Vendor) hereby authorizes any person or entity public or private, having any information concerning the Vendor’s background, including but not limited to its performance history regarding its prior rendering of services similar to those detailed in this RFP, to release such information to TIES.

The Vendor acknowledges that it may not agree with the information and opinions given by such person or entity in response to a reference request. The Vendor acknowledges that the information and opinions given by such person or entity my hurt its chances to receive contract awards from TIES or may otherwise hurt its reputation or operations. The Vendor is willing to take that risk. The Vendor agrees to release all persons, entities, and TIES from any liability whatsoever that may be incurred in releasing this information or using this information.

____________________________________________Printed Name of Vendor

____________________________________________ __________________________Signature of Authorized Representative Date

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6.2 APPENDIX 2: DATACENTER SERVICE POINTS

Datacenter Address Link Speed WAN Redundancy

Cologix: 511 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415 10G-100G Section 4.1.2.1

TIES: 1667 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55108 10G-100G Section 4.1.2.1

Databank: 3255 Neil Armstrong Blvd, Eagan, MN 55121 10G-100G Section 4.1.2.1

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6.3 APPENDIX 3: CUSTOMER SERVICE POINTS

AddressCustomer Link Speed

WAN Redundancy

Albert Lea - Brookside MDF, 211 W Richway Dr, Albert Lea, MN 56007 1G N

Arvig Communications Shakopee Hut (Bluff CO), 1249 Bluff Ave E, Shakopee, MN 55379

Arvig Communication Farmington Hut, 5031 208th St W, Farmington, MN 55024

Velocity Hut, 45.240503N 93.648448W, Maciver Ave, Albertville MN 55301

Carver County - Chanhassen License Center, 7808 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Carver County - Chaska License Center, 418 N Pine St, Chaska, MN 55318

City of Albertville 5959 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301

10G

10G

10G

10G

10G

1G

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Anoka Schools ESC Data Center, 2727 N Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303 10G Y

Bloomington-Kennedy High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420 1G Y

Brooklyn Center High School, 6500 Humboldt Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 1G N

Buffalo, 214 1st Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313 1G Y

Burnsville High School, 600 Minnesota 13, Burnsville, MN 55337 1G Y

Centennial School District, 4757 N Rd, Circle Pines, MN 55014 1G Y

Eden Prairie Schools Administration Building, 8100 School Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 10G Y

Edina Schools District Head End, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN 55424 2 1G LAG Y

Farmington School District, 800 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, MN 55024 1G Y

Forest Lake District Office, 6100 210th St N, Forest Lake, MN 55025 1G N

Fridley Public Schools, 6085 7th Street Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432 1G Y

Hastings Public Schools (Middle School), 1000 11th St W, Hastings, MN 55033 1G N

Hill-Murray School -- 2625 Larpenteur Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55109 1G N

Hopkins Public Schools -- Eisenhower School, 1001 Minnesota 7, Hopkins, MN 55305 4 1G LAG Y

IGH Data Center, 2990 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 1G Y

West St. Paul Schools - Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware Ave, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 1G Y

ISD287 Northern Education Center - New Hope, 5530 Zealand Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428 1G Y

Dakota County Technical College - Data Center, 1300 145th Street E, Rosemount, MN 55068 1G N

Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School, 400 Sixth Street, Kenyon, MN 55946 1G N

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Lakes International School - MDF, 246 11th Ave SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025 1G N

Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 1G Y

Logis - Golden Valley HQ, 5750 Duluth St, Golden Valley, MN 55422 20G Y

Marion Savage Elementary School, 4801 126th St W, Savage MN 55378 10G Y

Monticello School District, District Office, 302 Washington Street Monticello, MN 55362 1G N

Moundsview High School Data Center, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN 55112 1G Y

NEMETRO Capitol View, 70 County Road B2 W, Little Canada, MN 55117 1G Y

Northfield HS - MDF, 1400 Division Street South, Northfield MN 55057 1G N

ISD 622 North St. Paul Education Center, 2520 12th Ave, North St Paul, MN 55109 2G N

Odyssey Academy, 6201 Noble Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 1G N

Orono Public Schools, 685 Old Crystal Bay Road North, Orono, MN 55356 1G Y

Osseo ESC, 11200 93rd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369 10G Y

Jaguar Owatonna POP, 213 S Oak Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060 1G N

PACT Charter School, 7250 E Ramsey Pkwy, Ramsey, MN 55303 1G N

Randolph Public Schools, 29110 Davisson Ave, Randolph, MN 55065 1G Y

Richfield Public Schools, 7001 Harriet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423 1G Y

Robbinsdale District Office, 4148 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55427 4 1G LAG Y

Rochester John Marshall, 1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 1G Y

Roseville High School, 1240 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113 1G N

Savage Tower, 9100 138th St W, Savage MN 55378 10G Y

Spring Lake Park, 1415 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 1G Y

South St. Paul High School District Data Center, 700 2nd St N, South St Paul, Minnesota 55075 1G Y

3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55418 1G N

District 742 Media Services, 115 13th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301 1G N

Stillwater High School Data Center, 5701 Stillwater Blvd N., Stillwater, MN 55082 1G Y

Saint Louis Park, 6425 W 33rd St, St Louis Park, MN 55426 1G Y

St. Michael-Albertville-MiddleSchool/DO, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, MN 55301 1G Y

Ubah Academy, 1600 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 1G N

Wayzata Public Schools - Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447 1G N

Westonka Public Schools ESC, 5901 Sunnyfield Rd E, Mound, MN 55364 1G Y

White Bear Lake Area Schools District Office - ISD624, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 1G Y

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55110

Dark Fiber Price Sheet Datacenter to Datacenter Build/IRU

Cost Link 1

Build/IRU

Cost Link 2

1667 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 to 511 11th Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

$ -

$ -

1667 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 to 3255 Neil Armstrong Blvd, Eagan, MN 55121

3255 Neil Armstrong Blvd, Eagan, MN 55121 to 511 11th Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Totals: $ -

$ -

Dark Fiber/IRU Price Sheet

Line Site Name and Address Build/IRU Cost to DC 1

Build/IRU Cost to DC 2

1 Albert Lea - Brookside MDF, 211 W Richway Dr, Albert Lea, MN 56007 $ -

$ -

2 City of Albertville 5959 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301

3 Anoka Schools ESC Data Center, 2727 N Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303

4 Bloomington-Kennedy High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420

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5 Brooklyn Center High School, 6500 Humboldt Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

6 Buffalo, 214 1st Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313

7 Burnsville High School, 600 Minnesota 13, Burnsville, MN 55337

8 Centennial School District, 4757 N Rd, Circle Pines, MN 55014

9 Eden Prairie Schools Administration Building, 8100 School Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

10 Edina Schools District Head End, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN 55424

11 Farmington School District, 800 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, MN 55024

12 Forestlake District Office, 6100 210th St N, Forest Lake, MN 55025

13 Fridley Public Schools, 6085 7th Street Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432

14 Hastings Public Schools (Middle School), 1000 11th St W, Hastings, MN 55033

15 Hill-Murray School -- 2625 Larpenteur Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55109

16 Hopkins Public Schools -- Eisenhower School, 1001 Minnesota 7, Hopkins, MN 55305

17 IGH Data Center, 2990 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

18 West St. Paul Schools - Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware Ave, Mendota Heights, MN 55118

19 ISD287 Northern Education Center - New Hope, 5530 Zealand Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428

20 Dakota County Technical College - Data Center, 1300 145th Street E, Rosemount, MN 55068

21 Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School, 400 Sixth Street, Kenyon, MN 55946

22 Lakes International School - MDF, 246 11th Ave SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025

40

23 Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044

24 Mahtomedi Middle School, 8100 75th St N, St Paul, MN 55115

25 Marion Savage Elementary School, 4801 126th St W, Savage MN 55378

26 Monticello School District, District Office, 302 Washington Street Monticello, MN 55362

27 Moundsview High School Data Center, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN 55112

28 NEMETRO Capitol View, 70 County Road B2 W, Little Canada, MN 55117

29 Northfield HS - MDF, 1400 Division Street South, Northfield MN 55057

30 ISD 622 North St. Paul Education Center, 2520 12th Ave, North St Paul, MN 55109

31 Odyssey Academy, 6201 Noble Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55429

32 Orono Public Schools, 685 Old Crystal Bay Road North, Orono, MN 55356

33 Osseo ESC, 11200 93rd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

34 Jaguar Owatonna POP, 213 S Oak Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060

35 PACT Charter School, 7250 E Ramsey Pkwy, Ramsey, MN 55303

36 Randolph Public Schools, 29110 Davisson Ave, Randolph, MN 55065

37 Richfield Public Schools, 7001 Harriet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423

38 Robbinsdale District Office, 4148 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55427

39 Rochester John Marshall, 1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

40 Roseville High School, 1240 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113

41 South Washington County Schools, ESC Data Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016

41

42 Spring Lake Park, 1415 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432

43 South St. Paul High School District Data Center, 700 2nd St N, South St Paul, Minnesota 55075

44 3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55418

45 District 742 Media Services, 115 13th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301

46 Stillwater High School Data Center, 5701 Stillwater Blvd N., Stillwater, MN 55082

47 Saint Louis Park, 6425 W 33rd St, St Louis Park, MN 55426

48 StMichael-Albertville-MiddleSchool/DO, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, MN 55301

49 Ubah Academy, 1600 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

50 Wayzata Public Schools - Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447

51 Westonka Public Schools ESC, 5901 Sunnyfield Rd E, Mound, MN 55364

52

White Bear Lake Area Schools District Office - ISD624, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

SubTotals:

Proposal Total:

42

Wavelength Price Sheet Datacenter to Datacenter NRC MRC NRC MRC


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -



Totals: $ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

Wavelength Price Sheet (Customer Service Points)

1-Gigabit 10-Gigabit

Site/Address Installation/NRC to DC #1

MRC to DC #1

Installation/NRC to DC #2

MRC to DC #2


MRC to DC #1


MRC to DC #2

Albert Lea - Brookside MDF, 211 W Richway Dr, Albert Lea, MN 56007

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -


Anoka Schools ESC Data Center, 2727 N Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303

Bloomington-Kennedy High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420

Brooklyn Center High School, 6500 Humboldt Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

43

Buffalo, 214 1st Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313

Burnsville High School, 600 Minnesota 13, Burnsville, MN 55337

Centennial School District, 4757 N Rd, Circle Pines, MN 55014

Eden Prairie Schools Administration Building, 8100 School Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Edina Schools District Head End, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN 55424

EMID Crosswinds, 600 Weir Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125

Farmington School District, 800 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, MN 55024

Forestlake District Office, 6100 210th St N, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Fridley Public Schools, 6085 7th Street Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432

Hastings Public Schools (Middle School), 1000 11th St W, Hastings, MN 55033

Hill-Murray School -- 2625 Larpenteur Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55109

Hopkins Public Schools -- Eisenhower School, 1001 Minnesota 7, Hopkins, MN 55305

44

IGH Data Center, 2990 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

West St. Paul Schools - Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware Ave, Mendota Heights, MN 55118

ISD287 Northern Education Center - New Hope, 5530 Zealand Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428

Dakota County Technical College - Data Center, 1300 145th Street E, Rosemount, MN 55068

Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School, 400 Sixth Street, Kenyon, MN 55946

Lakes International School - MDF, 246 11th Ave SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044

Mahtomedi Middle School, 8100 75th St N, St Paul, MN 55115

Marion Savage Elementary School, 4801 126th St W, Savage MN 55378

Monticello School District, District Office, 302 Washington Street Monticello, MN 55362

Moundsview High School Data Center, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN 55112

NEMETRO Capitol View, 70 County Road B2 W, Little Canada, MN 55117

45

Northfield HS - MDF, 1400 Division Street South, Northfield MN 55057

ISD 622 North St. Paul Education Center, 2520 12th Ave, North St Paul, MN 55109

Odyssey Academy, 6201 Noble Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55429

Orono Public Schools, 685 Old Crystal Bay Road North, Orono, MN 55356

Osseo ESC, 11200 93rd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Jaguar Owatonna POP, 213 S Oak Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060

PACT Charter School, 7250 E Ramsey Pkwy, Ramsey, MN 55303

Randolph Public Schools, 29110 Davisson Ave, Randolph, MN 55065

Richfield Public Schools, 7001 Harriet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423

Robbinsdale District Office, 4148 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55427

Rochester John Marshall, 1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

South Washington County Schools, ESC Data Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016

Spring Lake Park, 1415 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432

46

South St. Paul High School District Data Center, 700 2nd St N, South St Paul, Minnesota 55075

District 742 Media Services, 115 13th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301

Stillwater High School Data Center, 5701 Stillwater Blvd N., Stillwater, MN 55082

Saint Louis Park, 6425 W 33rd St, St Louis Park, MN 55426

StMichael-Albertville-MiddleSchool/DO, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, MN 55301

Ubah Academy, 1600 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

Wayzata Public Schools - Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447

Westonka Public Schools ESC, 5901 Sunnyfield Rd E, Mound, MN 55364


Totals:

47

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) Price Sheet Datacenter to Datacenter

NRC MRC NRC MRC


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -



Totals: $ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) Price Sheet (Customer Service Points)



MRC to DC #1


MRC to DC #2


MRC to DC #1


MRC to DC #2


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -




Brooklyn Center High School, 6500 Humboldt Ave N, Brooklyn Center,

48

MN 55430












Hopkins Public Schools -- Eisenhower School, 1001

49

Minnesota 7, Hopkins, MN 55305












NEMETRO Capitol View, 70 County Road B2 W, Little Canada, MN

50

55117













51











Totals:

52

Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) Price Sheet Datacenter to Datacenter

NRC MRC NRC MRC


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -



Totals: $ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) Price Sheet (Customer Service Points)



MRC to DC #1


MRC to DC #2


MRC to DC

Installation/NRC to

MRC to DC

53

#1 DC #2 #2


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -












54













55













56













Wayzata Public Schools - Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane,

57

Plymouth, MN 55447



Totals:

Page Intentionally Left Blank

58

Ethernet-LAN (E-LAN) Price Sheet Datacenter to Datacenter

NRC MRC NRC MRC


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -



Totals: $ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

Ethernet-LAN (E-LAN) Price Sheet (Customer Service Points)



MRC to DC #1


MRC to DC #2


MRC to DC #1


MRC to DC #2


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -





59













60













61














62










Totals:

63

MPLS/VPLS Price Sheet Datacenter to Datacenter NRC MRC NRC MRC


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -



Totals: $ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

MPLS/VPLS Price Sheet (Customer Service Points)

One GigabitTen Gigabit

Site/Address Installation/NRC MRC Installation/NRC MRC


$ -

$ - $ -

$ -



Bloomington-Kennedy High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN

64

55420








Farmington School District, 800

65

Denmark Avenue, Farmington, MN 55024







West St. Paul Schools - Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware

66

Ave, Mendota Heights, MN 55118







Marion Savage Elementary School,

67

4801 126th St W, Savage MN 55378







Orono Public Schools, 685 Old

68

Crystal Bay Road North, Orono, MN 55356








69







StMichael-Albertville-MiddleSchool/DO, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, MN

70

55301





Totals:

71

Managed Services Upcharge Per Site

NRC MRC


$ - $ -



Totals: $ - $ -

Managed Services Upcharge Per Site

One Gigabit Ten Gigabit

Site/Address Installation/NRC MRC Installation/NRC MRC


$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -





72












Hopkins Public Schools -- Eisenhower School, 1001

73

Minnesota 7, Hopkins, MN 55305










Monticello School District, District Office, 302

74

Washington Street Monticello, MN 55362











Richfield Public Schools, 7001 Harriet Ave, Richfield, MN

75

55423











76

7748092v3




Totals:

77

ties request for proposals - dark fiber

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