REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS DARK FIBER NETWORK SERVICES FROM FRANK J. MANNING APARTMENT COMPLEX TO BENT STREET DATA CENTER

The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is requesting proposals from qualified service providers to deliver dark fiber network services for an FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) Broadband Pilot Project. This project requires leased dark fiber network services to connect the Frank J. Manning elderly housing high-rise in Central Square to the 300 Bent Street data center in Cambridge, MA. The dark fiber network will ultimately serve as a critical backbone for high-speed broadband services for low-income residents.

The selected service provider shall be responsible for delivering dark fiber network services to connect the Frank J. Manning elderly housing high-rise (237 Franklin Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139) to the 300 Bent Street data center, ensuring the network supports high-speed broadband services as part of the CHA’s FTTP Broadband Pilot Project. The service provider shall offer full dark fiber network services, including network design and engineering, leasing and installation of fiber, and the integration of the network with existing CHA or ISP infrastructure. The service provider shall also provide comprehensive testing and commissioning services, ensuring that the dark fiber network meets performance and reliability standards. Ongoing responsibilities will include network monitoring and maintenance to ensure consistent service availability and quick response to any issues.

As part of the overall CHA FTTP Broadband Pilot Program, the dark fiber network services RFP and the Internet Service Provider (ISP) RFP are two separate but interconnected components. Venders awarded the contract for dark fiber network services will be precluded from participating in the subsequent ISP RFP. The dark fiber network established under this contract must operate as an open-access network, ensuring that the infrastructure is made available to multiple ISPs on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. This structure is intended to promote competition and provide CHA with the flexibility to work with a range of ISPs to deliver high-speed, reliable broadband services to its residents.

The contract for dark fiber network services will cover a period of three years, with no option for extension.