Bluebird Network, the Sappington, MO-based fiber network and data center operator, has issued an RFP seeking bids from vendors to complete the engineering design and/or environmental assessments associated with the two NTIA Middle Mile Grants that Bluebird was awarded in Missouri and Oklahoma. The 500-mile fiber build will connect major metros from St. Louis to Tulsa and deliver connectivity and access to high-speed internet services to underserved communities across Missouri and Oklahoma.
The company says that a contract will be awarded based on RFP evaluation criteria including the ability to meet slated requirements, customer references, solution approach, price and additional factors detailed in the RFP and other supporting documents.
The fiber build will have uniformly spaced Point-of-Presence locations along route corridors and is planned to span 330 miles through Missouri and 164 miles through Oklahoma.
“These projects will extend middle-mile infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas and promote broadband resiliency by creating new and alternative connections across the Midwest,” said John Nolan, Bluebird Network’s Chief Development Officer. “These projects will also increase competition, reduce costs and spur the rapid deployment of last-mile services in rural areas.”
Nolan added that the new routes have the potential to grow and strengthen fixed wireless access and cellular connectivity, including advancements in new wireless technologies that are supported by fiber.
Vendors are invited to visit the Bluebird RFP submission website to submit a proposal associated with the NTIA Middle Mile Grant fiber build. RFP responses are due no later than April 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Vendors can download the RFP Template, KMZ layer of proposed fiber route, Master Construction Agreement and Professional Services Agreement as well as a collection of live Frequently Asked Questions at BluebirdNetwork.com/open-request-for-proposals.
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
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