East Side Fiber Expansion

The City of Aurora (“City”), acting through the Information Technology Department (“IT”), seeks qualified companies to furnish and install approximately 119,584ft of 864ct ribbon OSP Fiber Optic Cable utilizing the 3rd duct of the existing City fiber optic ring network.

The intent is to select a qualified company through a two (2) step RFQ/RFP process as described below. This project request is for Step 1 only.

Step 1: Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Respondents to this RFQ will be required to submit their qualifications, experience and technical competence to perform the services as outlined in this document. One or more Respondents who qualify in Step 1 will be eligible to receive and respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) in Step 2. Those Respondents found not qualified or non-responsive to the RFQ requirements will not receive an RFP from the City. No contract negotiations or contract award will result from Step 1.

In this procurement process, selected Proposers will be required to execute the enclosed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to receiving access to additional project information or proceeding further in the solicitation process. The signed NDA must be submitted upon selection in order to advance to Phase 2.

Step 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)

Respondents found qualified in Step 1 will be eligible to respond to the RFP in Step 2. Upon receipt of the RFP from the City, Respondents will be given a deadline to submit a detailed proposal that will include, but not be limited to, assessment and implementation, technical specifications, detailed cost proposal, and other components as outlined in the RFP. The Respondent selected (“Selected Respondent”) from Step 2 will enter into contract negotiations with the City for contract award.

The 2026 East Side Fiber Expansion Project will address necessary upgrades to the City’s fiber network on the east side of the Fox River within the City limits. The City seeks to interview and select vendors based upon qualifications and experience in building out and connecting municipal fiber networks.

The scope of the project can be broken down into two phases with 2 elements: core fiber ring expansion into existing fiber ducts and expanding laterals to key City buildings.

The East Side of the City’s fiber network contains approximately 22.65 miles of conduit containing 3 innerducts. The City desires to expand the capacity of the East Side network by installing fiber into one of the 3 innerducts.

In 2025, the City Council accepted a $2 million grant award from the Illinois DCEO to expand the capacity of the City’s fiber network on the east side of the Fox River within the City limits. More fiber strands are needed as the existing 144ct ring is nearing max fiber capacity (no fibers available for new installations). The 864ct will provide max fill of the existing 1.25" poly duct available for install.