Active SLED Opportunity · ILLINOIS · CITY OF AURORA, IL
AI Summary
City of Aurora seeks qualified firms to install 119,584 ft of 864ct fiber optic cable expanding the east side municipal fiber network. This two-step RFQ/RFP process targets experienced contractors for fiber network construction and engineering services funded by a $2M grant.
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.
The consultant’s general experience, stability, and experience on projects similar to the one under consideration. Experience with federally funded projects is required.
The education, experience, and expertise of the consultant’s key employees.
Project understanding and the consultant’s approach to perform Phase III Construction Engineering services and related items that are required for successful project completion.
Quality of the entity’s submittal including, but not limited to, spelling, providing all the information requested, and providing correct/accurate information.
See Section- SOQ Requirements and Selection Criteria
I/We hereby certify that:
A. A complete set of bid papers, as intended, has been received, and that I/We will abide by the contents and/or information received and/or contained herein.
B. I/We have not entered into any collusion or other unethical practices with any person, firm, or employee of the City which would in any way be construed as unethical business practice.
C. I/We have adopted a written sexual harassment policy which is in accordance with the requirements of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and policies and further certify that I/We are also in compliance with all equal employment practice requirements contained in Public Act 87-1257 (effective July 1, 1993) and 775 ILCS 5/2-105 (A).
D. I/We operate a drug free environment and drugs are not allowed in the workplace or satellite locations as well as City of Aurora sites in accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of January, 1992.
E. The Proposer is not barred from bidding on the Project, or entering into this contract as a result of a violation of either Section 33E-3 or 33E-4 of the Illinois Criminal Code, or any similar offense of “bid rigging” or “bid rotating” of any state or the United States.
F. I/We will abide by all other Federal, State and local codes, rules, regulations, ordinances and statutes.
The Proposer's Executing Officer, being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and states that all statements made herein are made on behalf of the Proposer, that this despondent is authorized to make them and that the statements contained herein are true and correct.
Proposer deposes, states and certifies that Proposer is not barred from contracting with any unit of local government in the State of Illinois as result of a delinquency in payment of any tax administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue unless Proposer is contesting, in accordance with the procedures established by the appropriate statute, its liability for the tax or the amount of the tax, all as provided for in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/11-42.1-1.
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SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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