ISABELLA COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

COMMISSION ON AGING STRUCTURED CABLE SYSTEMS

ISSUED BY ISABELLA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ISSUE DATE: February 4, 2008

i

ISABELLA COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS COMMISSION ON AGING

STRUCTURED CABLE SYSTEMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Background......................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Objective ............................................................................................................. 1 1.4 Minimum Qualifications..................................................................................... 1 1.5 Funding ............................................................................................................... 2 1.6 Period of Performance ........................................................................................ 2

II. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS...................................................... 2

2.1 Project Administrator.......................................................................................... 2 2.2 Estimated Schedule of Procurement Activities................................................... 2 2.3 Submission of Proposals ..................................................................................... 2 2.4 Proprietary Information and Public Disclosure .................................................. 3 2.5 Revisions to the RFP........................................................................................... 3 2.6 Acceptance Period .............................................................................................. 3 2.7 Responsiveness ................................................................................................... 3 2.8 Most Favorable Terms ........................................................................................ 3 2.9 Costs of Proposal ................................................................................................ 4 2.10 No Obligation Contract....................................................................................... 4 2.11 Rejection of Proposals ........................................................................................ 4 2.12 Failure to Comply ............................................................................................... 4 2.13 Commitment of Funds ........................................................................................ 4 2.14 Signatures............................................................................................................ 4

III. STATEMENT OF WORK AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS ................ 5

3.1 Overview............................................................................................................. 5 3.2 System Requirements.......................................................................................... 5 3.3 Equipment Specifications ................................................................................... 5 3.4 Communications Copper Horizontal Cabling..................................................... 8 3.5 Patch Panels ...................................................................................................... 12 3.6 Communications Faceplates and Connectors ................................................... 15 3.7 Communications Cabinets, Racks, Frames and Enclosures ............................. 17 3.8 Equipment Inventory and Drawings ................................................................. 19 3.9 Warranties and Manuals ................................................................................... 19 3.10 Post-Installation Service ................................................................................... 20

IV. PROPOSAL CONTENT........................................................................................ 21

4.1 Letter of Submittal ............................................................................................ 21 4.2 Work Proposal .................................................................................................. 21 4.3 Experience of the Bidder .................................................................................. 22

ii

4.4 References......................................................................................................... 22 4.5 Related Information .......................................................................................... 22 4.6 Cost Proposal .................................................................................................... 22

1

ISABELLA COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS COMMISSION ON AGING STRUCTURED CABLE SYSTEMS

Isabella County is accepting proposals from experienced and knowledgeable agencies for design and installation of a structured cable system for the Isabella County Commission on Aging. I. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose Isabella County, hereafter called “County,” initiated this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from individuals and firms interested in providing Commission on Aging structured cable systems in a newly-constructed county-owned facility. The selected firm will be expected to provide such services in a manner responsive to the needs of the County. 1.2 Background Isabella County is in the process of constructing a new building to house administrative offices and activity rooms for the Commission on Aging. This new facility, located at 2200 S. Lincoln Road, is scheduled to be occupied on June 1, 2008. Building plans will be provided by Isabella County upon request. 1.3 Objective The primary objective of the work resulting from this RFP is acquisition and installation of a fully functional data/voice structured cable system using new equipment as specified. 1.4 Minimum Qualifications Proposals will only be considered from communications contractors who can prove they have the following qualifications.

1. Are licensed to do business in the State of Michigan. 2. References for completed projects in last 5 years in the furnishing and

installation of Data & Voice Cabling systems. 3. The communications contractor shall employ competent electronic technicians

who are trained and knowledgeable in the area of Structured Cabling. Firms that do not meet these minimum qualifications shall be deemed non-responsive and will not receive further consideration.

2

1.5 Funding Any contract awarded as a result of this procurement is contingent upon the availability of funding, as determined by the Board of Commissioners. 1.6 Period of Performance The period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFP is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about February 27, 2008 and conclude not later than May 1, 2008. II. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS 2.1 Project Administrator The Project Administrator is the sole point of contact for this procurement. All communication between prospective bidders and the County upon receipt of this RFP shall be with the Project Administrator, as follows: Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP Isabella County Administrator / Controller 200 N. Main Street Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 Telephone: (989) 772-0911, ext. 202 Facsimile: (989) 773-7431 E-mail: tdolehanty@isabellacounty.org Prospective bidders are to rely on written statements issued by the Project Administrator. Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on the County. Communication directed to parties other than the Project Administrator may result in disqualification of the prospective bidder. 2.2 Estimated Schedule of Procurement Activities

Issue request for proposals February 4, 2008 Last date for questions regarding the RFP February 14, 2008 Response to questions issued February 15, 2008 Proposals due February 19, 2008 - 11:00 a.m. Isabella County staff evaluates proposals February 19-25, 2008 Building Committee approves contract February 26, 2008 Begin contract work February 27, 2008

2.3 Submission of Proposals Proposals submitted in response to the RFP must include original signatures. The proposal, whether mailed or hand delivered, must arrive at the County Administration Office no later than 11:00 a.m., local time, on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.

3

Proposals are to be sent to the Project Administrator at the address shown in Section 2.1. The envelope should be clearly marked “COMMISSION ON AGING STRUCTURED CABLE SYSTEMS” and addressed to the attention of the Project Administrator. Bidders who mail proposals should allow normal mail delivery time to ensure timely receipt of their proposals by the Project Administrator. Bidders assume the risk for the method of delivery chosen. The County assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any delivery service. Proposals may not be transmitted using electronic media such as facsimile transmission. Late proposals will not be accepted and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. All proposals and any accompanying documentation become the property of Isabella County and will not be returned. 2.4 Proprietary Information and Public Disclosure Materials submitted in response to this competitive procurement shall become the property of Isabella County. All proposals received shall remain confidential until the deadline for submission of bids or proposals has expired, as defined by Michigan statute (MCL 15.243(i), the Freedom of Information Act). 2.5 Revisions to the RFP In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, addenda will be reduced to writing and submitted to all prospective bidders known to the County. For this purpose, the published questions and answers and any other pertinent information will be considered an addendum to the RFP and will be provided to prospective bidders. The County reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFP in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract. 2.6 Acceptance Period Proposals must provide 60 days for acceptance by County from the due date for receipt of proposals. 2.7 Responsiveness All proposals will be reviewed by the Project Administrator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions specified in this RFP. Failure to comply with any part of the RFP may result in rejection of the proposal as non-responsive. The County also reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor administrative irregularities. 2.8 Most Favorable Terms The County reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposal submitted. Therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms which the bidder can propose. There will be no best and final offer procedure. The County does reserve the right to contact a bidder for clarification of its proposal.

4

Bidders should be prepared to accept this RFP for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFP. Contract negotiations may incorporate some or the bidder’s entire proposal. It is understood that the proposal will become a part of the official procurement file on this matter without obligation to the County. 2.9 Costs of Proposal The County will not be liable for any costs incurred by the bidder in preparation of a proposal submitted in response to this RFP, in conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this RFP. 2.10 No Obligation Contract This RFP does not obligate the Isabella County Board of Commissioners to contract for services specified herein. 2.11 Rejection of Proposals The County reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all proposals received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this RFP. 2.12 Failure to Comply The bidder is specifically notified that failure to comply with any part of the RFP may result in rejection of the proposal as non-responsive. 2.13 Commitment of Funds The Board of Commissioners or its delegate are the only individuals who may legally commit the County to the expenditures of funds for a contract resulting from this RFP. No cost chargeable to the proposed contract may be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract. 2.14 Signatures The Letter of Submittal and the Certifications and Assurances form must be signed and dated by a person authorized to legally bind the bidder to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the proprietor if a sole proprietorship.

5

III. STATEMENT OF WORK AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS 3.1 Overview The vendor selected as a result of this RFP, if any, shall furnish and install a fully functional data/voice structured cable system using new equipment as specified. All new material shall conform to the applicable requirements of Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL), National Electrical Code (NEC), and all applicable local codes. This specification represents information solely concerned with the Structured Cable Systems. Refer to specifications of other trades and contractors for items that might affect the work under this section. All material and equipment needed for proper operation of the system not specified or described herein shall be deemed part of the specifications. It is intended that at each drop location, there shall be 2 phone and 2 data drops each. 3.2 System Requirements The vendor selected as a result of this RFP, if any, shall furnish and install a complete structured cable system. 3.3 Equipment Specifications Equipment described and furnished under these specifications shall be standard product. All equipment items identified by model number, type, or brand name establish the quality, function, and performance required of the specific equipment. The contractor shall furnish all the equipment, accessories and necessary material for a complete system as indicated on the drawings and described hereinafter.

1. Communication Connectors Standards. a. Installation of jacks shall be according to manufacturer’s instructions. b. Jacks shall be installed according to recognized Category 5e installation

practices, and applicable codes and standards.

c. Installed jacks shall be free from defects in material or workmanship from the manufacturer, and shall be of the quality indicated.

d. Specified jacks are based on acceptable manufacturers listed in the

Construction Documents.

e. All methods of construction that are not specified in the contract documents shall be subject to control and approval by the Owner or Owner’s Representative.

f. Installed jacks shall be lot-traceable by date code.

g. Where “approved equal” is stated, any substitute product shall be

equivalent to all requirements specified, and is subject to approval.

6

h. Materials and work specified in this document shall comply with all applicable requirements of standards, codes, and publications listed below:

i. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1, Commercial Building Telecom-

munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 1: General Requirements, 2001.

ii. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Commercial Building Telecom-

munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components, 2001.

iii. National Fire Protection Association, Inc., NFPA 70: National

Electric Code (NEC), 2002. 2. Connector Construction.

a. Jacks shall be standard 8-position, RJ-45 style, un-keyed, FCC

compliant. b. Jacks shall be designed for 4-pair, 100 ohm balanced unshielded twisted

pair (UTP) cable.

c. Each jack shall be single unit construction, with snap – fit to industry standard keystone opening (.760” x .580”).

d. Jacks shall have a temperature rating of -10º C (14º F) to 70º C (158º F).

e. Jacks shall utilize a 2-layer printed circuit board to control NEXT.

f. Jack housings shall fully encase and protect printed circuit boards and

IDC fields.

g. Modular jack contacts shall accept a minimum of 2000 mating cycles without degradation of electrical or mechanical performance.

h. Jack contacts shall maintain a minimum deflection force of 100 grams

while mated with an FCC-standard RJ-45 plug.

i. Jack contacts shall be formed flat for increased surface contact with mated plugs.

j. Jack termination method shall follow the industry standard 110 IDC

punch-down.

7

k. IDC contact termination towers shall have tapered pair-splitting features to aid wire insertion and minimize pair un-twist.

l. Jacks shall have the Category 5e designation, visible from the front

when installed.

m. Bottom of jack shall have date code and an abbreviated catalog number.

n. Jacks shall utilize a paired punch-down sequence to maximize electrical performance.

o. Jacks shall terminate 26-22 AWG solid or stranded conductors.

p. Jacks shall terminate insulated conductors with outside diameters up to

.050”.

q. Jacks shall not require special cords, specialty tools or special installation requirements.

r. Jacks shall be compatible with single conductor standard 110 impact

termination tools.

s. Jacks shall be compatible with a 4-pair single punch impact tool designed specifically for the purpose.

t. Jacks shall accept FCC compliant 6 position plugs.

u. Jacks shall accept optional hinged dust covers.

v. Jacks shall be compatible with ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A color code

labeling.

w. Jacks shall accept snap-on icons for specific identification.

x. Jacks shall be electric ivory in color.

y. Jacks shall have attached wiring instruction labels to permit T568B wiring configurations.

z. Jacks shall be manufactured in the USA.

3. Preparation.

a. Horizontal cabling of the proper category shall be fully deployed from

the MDF or IDF to each wall plate location according to applicable codes and standards.

8

b. Cable slack, service loops, bend radii, and pathway fill ratio shall

comply with applicable codes and standards.

c. Metallic horizontal cable pathways shall be bonded to an approved ground according to ANSI-J-STD-607.

d. Cable ends for termination shall be clean and free from crush marks,

cuts, or kinks left from pulling operations 4. Installation.

a. Terminate jacks according to manufacturer’s instructions. b. To maximize transmission performance, maintain wiring pair twists as

close as possible to the point of termination.

c. The length of wiring pair un-twist in each termination shall be less than 0.5 inches (13 mm).

d. Jacks shall be properly mounted in plates, frames, or housings with

stuffer cap fully installed over IDC contacts.

e. Horizontal cables extending from mounted jacks shall maintain a minimum bend radius of at least 4 times the cable diameter.

f. Cable terminations shall have no tensile or bending strain on IDC

contacts after assembly of faceplate or housing to the wall outlet. 5. Testing.

Jacks shall be tested as part of the installed horizontal cabling system. 3.4 Communications Copper Horizontal Cabling

1. Quality Assurance. a. Installation of Category 5e cable shall adhere to manufacturer’s

guidelines. b. Category 5e cable shall be installed according to recognized Category 5e

installation practices, and applicable codes and standards.

c. Installed Category 5e cable shall be free from defects in material or workmanship from the manufacturer, and shall be of the quality indicated.

9

d. All methods of construction that are not specified in the contract documents shall be subject to control and approval by the Owner or Owner’s Representative.

e. Installed cable shall be lot-traceable by lot number and date of

manufacture printed on the outer cable jacket.

f. Where “approved equal” is stated, any substitute product shall be equivalent to all requirements specified, and is subject to approval.

g. Materials and work specified in this document shall comply with, and

are not limited to the standards, codes, and publications listed below:

i. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1, Commercial Building Telecom-munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 1: General Requirements, 2001.

ii. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Commercial Building Telecom-

munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components, 2001.

iii. National Fire Protection Association, Inc., NFPA 70: National

Electric Code (NEC), 2002.

iv. NEC Article 250: Grounding.

v. NEC Article 800: Communications Circuits.

vi. ANSI J-STD-607A, Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications, 2002.

vii. ISO/IEC 11801, Ed. 2:2002, Information Technology – Generic

Cabling for Customer Premises, 2002.

viii. ANSI.TIA/EIA-569-B, Commercial Building Standards for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces, 2003.

ix. ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A, Administration Standard for Commercial

Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2002.

x. IEEE 802.3af, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) Power Over Media Dependent Interface (MDI).

xi. IEEE 802.3ab, Specification for 1000 Mb/s (Gigabit Ethernet)

Operation over Category 5 or higher 4-Pair Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling.

10

xii. Underwriter’s Laboratory, Inc., UL1863: Standard for Safety –

Communications Circuit Accessories, 4th Ed, 2004.

2. Warranty.

a. Product shall be warranted free of defects in material or workmanship.

b. Product shall be warranted to perform the intended function within design limits.

c. Links in the installation shall be properly documented and tested with a “PASS” result.

3. Products.

Category 5e 100 OHM balanced UTP Cable - riser

4. Performance Requirements. Cable shall exceed Category 5e transmission requirements specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2, and shall be tested to 250 MHz. Worst case electrical performance characteristics shall be as follows:

a. Cable shall meet or exceed the 4-connector channel performance

requirements of Category 5e, per the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2 standard.

5. Preparation. a. Horizontal pathways (conduit, cable tray, raceway, etc. to be installed by

others) shall be fully deployed from the Wiring Closet to each wall plate location according to applicable codes and standards.

b. Metallic horizontal cable pathways shall be bonded to an approved

ground according to ANSI-J-STD-607.

6. Installation. a. Pull cable into conduits, or place into raceway or cable tray as specified.

Do not exceed 25 Lb pull force per cable. Use appropriate lubricants as required to reduce pulling friction.

b. All exposed wiring shall be installed in surface raceway.

c. All wiring above ceilings shall be installed in manufactured open-top

cable hangers or bridle rings with saddles.

d. Cable slack and service loops shall be stored properly above the ceiling.

11

e. Pathway fill ratio in conduit, tray, raceway, etc. shall not exceed 40% of

pathway cross-sectional area.

f. Installed cable bend radius shall be greater than 4X cable diameter. Avoid kinking or twisting the cable during installation.

g. Do not over-tighten cable ties, and do not use staples or clamps to

anchor cables.

h. Recommended spacing of cable supports above the ceiling shall NOT be GREATER THAN 72”

i. Maintain the following clearances from EMI sources:

i. Power cable: 6 in. ii. Florescent lights: 12 in.

iii. Transformers and electrical service enclosures: 36 in.

j. Communications cabling that must cross power cables or conduit shall cross at a 90-degree angle, and shall not make physical contact.

k. Length of each horizontal cable run from the TR to the wall outlet shall

not exceed 90 meters.

l. Leave sufficient slack for 90 degree sweeps at all vertical drops.

m. Do not install cable in wet areas, or in proximity to hot water pipes or boilers.

n. Cable ends for termination shall be clean and free from crush marks,

cuts, or kinks left from pulling operations.

o. Installed cable jackets shall have no abrasions with exposed conductor insulation or bare copper “shiners”.

p. The installer is responsible to replace damaged cables.

q. Horizontal cables extending from mounted jacks or panels shall maintain

a minimum bend radius of at least 4 times the cable diameter.

r. Firestop all cable penetrations through fire-rated barriers per state and local codes.

12

7. Field Quality Control - Testing.

a. Cables are tested in the fully terminated condition, as part of the installed horizontal cabling system. Jacks in the wall outlet, and panels in the TR are to be terminated complete, with faceplates assembled complete and properly mounted.

b. Each link or channel in the horizontal cabling system shall be identified

and tested individually, using an industry standard level 5e tester with correct settings.

c. A “PASS” indication shall be obtained for each link, using a level 5e

tester. The installer is responsible to correct any test failures. 3.5 Patch Panels

1. Quality Assurance.

a. Installation of patch panels shall be according to manufacturer’s instructions.

b. Patch panels shall be installed according to recognized Category 5e

installation practices, and applicable codes and standards.

c. Installed patch panels shall be free from defects in material or workmanship from the manufacturer, and shall be of the quality indicated.

d. Specified patch panels are based on acceptable manufacturers listed in

the Construction Documents.

e. All methods of construction that are not specified in the contract documents shall be subject to control and approval by the Owner or Owner’s Representative.

f. All critical internal manufacturing operations for Category 5e panels

shall be Category 5e certified.

g. Where “approved equal” is stated, any substitute product shall be equivalent to all requirements specified, and is subject to approval.

h. Materials and work specified in this document shall comply with all

applicable requirements of standards, codes, and publications listed below:

13

i. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1, Commercial Building Telecom-munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 1: General Requirements, 2001.

ii. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Commercial Building Telecom-

munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components, 2001.

iii. ANSI/EIA-310-D, Cabinets, Racks, Panels and Associated

Equipment, 1992

iv. IEEE 802.3af, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) Power Over Media Dependent Interface (MDI).

v. IEEE 802.3ab, Specification for 1000 Mb/s (Gigabit Ethernet)

Operation over Category 5 or higher 4-Pair Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling.

vi. National Fire Protection Association, Inc., NFPA 70: National

Electric Code (NEC), 2002.

vii. NEC Article 250: Grounding

viii. NEC Article 800: Communications Circuits

ix. NEC Article 725: Remote Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits

x. ANSI J-STD-607A, Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding

Requirements for Telecommunications, 2002.

xi. ISO/IEC 11801, Ed. 2:2002, Information Technology – Generic Cabling for Customer Premises, 2002.

xii. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Code of Federal

Regulations, Part 68: Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network, 1998.

xiii. ANSI.TIA/EIA-569-B, Commercial Building Standards for

Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces, 2003.

xiv. ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A, Administration Standard for Commercial Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2002.

xv. U.S. Public Law 336. 101st Congress, ADA: Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1992.

14

xvi. Underwriter’s Laboratory, Inc., UL1863: Standard for Safety –

Communications Circuit Accessories, 4th Ed, 2004.

xvii. Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual, 10th Ed., Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI), 2003.

xviii. Information Transport Systems Installation Manual, 4th Ed.,

Building Industry Consulting Services

xix. International (BICSI), 2004.

2. Warranty

a. Product shall be warranted free of defects in material or workmanship. b. Product shall be warranted to perform the intended function within

design limits.

3. Cat 5e Patch Panel Design Requirements Category 5e patch panels shall be standard 8-position, RJ-45 style, unkeyed, FCC-compliant receptacle, in 48 port configurations. 4. Performance Requirements

a. Category 5e panels shall meet or exceed Category 5e transmission requirements as specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2.

b. Category 5e panels shall meet or exceed the 4-connector channel

performance requirements of Category 5e, per ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2 standard.

5. Installation

a. Properly mount patch panels into the designated rack with the #12-24 screws provided.

b. Terminate cables into the patch panel according to manufacturer’s

instructions.

c. To maximize transmission performance, maintain wiring pair twists as close as possible to the point of termination.

d. The length of wiring pair un-twist in each termination shall be less than

0.5 inches (13 mm).

15

e. Horizontal or backbone cables extending from the panel terminations shall maintain a minimum bend radius of at least 4 times the cable diameter.

f. Cable terminations shall have no tensile or bending strain on panel IDC

contacts in each installed location.

g. For horizontal cabling, jacks shall be terminated with faceplates assembled complete and properly mounted prior to testing.

h. Consolidation point equipment, where applicable, shall also be fully

installed and terminated prior to testing.

i. Panels shall be properly labeled on front and back with the cable number and port connections for each port.

6. Field Quality Control – Testing.

a. Panels shall be tested as part of the installed horizontal or backbone cabling system.

b. Each link in the horizontal or backbone cabling system shall be

identified and tested individually, using an industry standard level 5e tester.

3.6 Communications Faceplates and Connectors

1. Summary This section includes the minimum requirements for product design, quality, and performance, including preparation and installation of telecommunications front-loading faceplates. Faceplates are protective outlet covers that hold connectors to support work area equipment networks. Work area (WA) outlets are located in walls, raceways, surface mount boxes, service fittings, service poles, flush mount boxes, and drywall rings. Front-loading faceplates accept various Snap-In modules loaded with jacks or Snap-Fit connectors per user specifications. Horizontal cabling is fully deployed and terminated prior to faceplate installation. Faceplates are assembled complete and secured to the WA outlet prior to system testing.

2. Quality Assurance

a. Product shall be manufactured by a Category 5e certified vendor. b. Product shall be of the quality and manufacture indicated.

c. Product shall be free from defects in material or workmanship.

16

d. Specified product is based on acceptable manufacturers listed in the

Construction Documents.

e. All methods of construction that are not specified in the contract documents shall be subject to control and approval of the Owner or Owner’s Representative.

f. Product shall be lot-traceable by date code.

g. Where “approved equal” is stated, any substitute product shall be

equivalent to all requirements specified, and is subject to approval.

3. Products a. Faceplates shall be 2.75" W x 4.5" H (69.8 mm x 114.3 mm) for single

gang and 4.5” X 4.5” (114.3 X 114.3 mm) for double gang. b. Faceplates shall accept modules loaded with Snap-Fit fiber optic, audio,

and video connectors for multimedia applications.

c. Faceplates shall provide for ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A compliant workstation outlet labeling.

d. Faceplates shall be provided with clear plastic and color-matched label

field covers.

e. Two #6-32 pan head Phillips/slotted mounting screws shall be included with each single gang faceplate.

f. Four #6-32 pan head Phillips/slotted mounting screws shall be included

with each double gang faceplate.

g. Faceplate modules shall snap firmly into front of faceplate and position flush to outer plate surface.

h. Color-matched Snap-In blank inserts shall be available separately to fill

unused openings as required.

i. Color-matched Snap-Fit blank modules shall be available separately to fill unused openings as required.

j. Faceplates shall be compatible with standard NEMA openings and

boxes.

17

k. Faceplates shall be compatible with raceway fittings, surface mount boxes, service fittings, service poles, flush mount boxes and drywall rings.

4. Installation

a. Install pre-loaded jack and connector snap-in modules into faceplate according to contract drawings.

b. Mount loaded faceplate carefully to the outlet box or ring. Avoid

kinking, crushing, or over-bending cables in the outlet when mounting faceplate.

c. Horizontal cables extending from mounted jacks in the outlet shall

maintain a minimum bend radius of at least 4 times the cable diameter.

d. Cable terminations shall have no tensile or bending strain on IDC contacts after assembly of faceplate to the wall outlet.

e. When using an outlet box, carefully coil and store cable slack behind the

faceplate such that cable minimum bend radius is maintained per the following specifications:

i. UTP cable: minimum bend radius of 4 times the cable diameter.

ii. When permitted in the construction documents, a box eliminator

insert is recommended for faceplate mounting to avoid coiling of UTP cable slack in the outlet box. This method is preferred to optimize cable transmission performance.

iii. Fasten the faceplate securely to the outlet using the #6-32 screws

provided.

iv. Label each port on the faceplate according to ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A standard.

v. All unused ports or plate openings shall be filled with blank

inserts.

vi. Install dust caps on exposed jacks or connectors where applicable.

3.7 Communications Cabinets, Racks, Frames and Enclosures

1. Quality Assurance

18

a. Product shall be of the quality and manufacture indicated. b. Product shall be free from defects in material or workmanship.

c. Specified product is based on acceptable manufacturers listed in the

Construction Documents.

d. All methods of construction that are not specified in the contract documents shall be subject to control and approval of the Owner or Owner’s Representative.

e. Product shall be lot-traceable by date code.

f. Where “approved equal” is stated, any substitute product shall be

equivalent to all requirements specified, and is subject to approval.

g. Materials and work specified in this document shall comply with, and are not limited to the applicable requirements of standards, codes, and publications listed below:

i. ANSI/EIA-310-D, Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated

Equipment, 1992.

ii. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1, Commercial Building Telecom-munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 1: General Requirements, 2001.

iii. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Commercial Building Telecom-

munications Cabling Standard (and all published addenda), Part 2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components, 2001.

iv. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components

Standard, 2000.

v. ANSI.TIA/EIA-569-B, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces, 2003.

vi. ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A, Administration Standard for Commercial

Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2002.

2. Warranty

a. Product is warranted free of defects in material or workmanship. b. Product is warranted to perform the intended function within design

limits.

19

3. Products Specified

7 Ft. Rack - Black

4. Preparation Concrete floor should be clean and dry. Floor paint, sealants, or tiles should be applied prior to installation.

5. Field Quality Control – Testing

a. Verify rack floor location according to contract drawings. b. Verify grounding and bonding to applicable standards and codes.

c. All anchor bolts shall be bottomed tightly onto the anchor washers with

no gaps.

d. Check for square of vertical rails with top edge of base. 3.8 Equipment Inventory and Drawings A complete list of the major equipment to be used in this system shall be submitted to the owner’s representative for approval. In addition, shop drawings of the following shall be submitted:

1. A block drawing that shows the functional relations of all portions of the system.

2. Rack layouts showing equipment locations. 3. Cable pulling diagrams for all cable specified.

Manufacturer’s data sheets for each major component of the system shall be submitted. 3.9 Warranties and Manuals Upon completion of sound system installation and before final acceptance by the owner or owner’s representative, the sound contractor shall furnish two copies of the following:

1. Operating manuals, installation manuals, descriptive literature, and other information that is pertinent to the operation and performance of the system.

2. Wiring diagrams for equipment and the system that indicate the wire and

cable connections, including the connections between the amplifiers and associated loudspeakers.

3. Manufacturer’s warranties and the sound contractor’s warranties.

20

3.10 Post-Installation Service The communications contractor shall have available to the purchaser the capability of servicing all installed equipment. Maintenance shall be provided on premises during normal working hours at no cost to the purchaser for a period of 12 months from the date of system acceptance unless the failure or damage is caused by misuse, neglect, accident, or manufacturers defects. Service on the premises during other than normal working hours must also be available and may be charged at current labor rates.

21

IV. PROPOSAL CONTENT Proposals must be submitted on eight and one-half by eleven (8½ x 11) inch paper and in separated into four major sections. The four major sections shall include:

1. Letter of Submittal, including signed Certifications and Assurances (Exhibit A of this RFP).

2. Work Proposal. 3. Cost Proposal.

Proposals must provide information in the same order as presented in this document with the same headings. This will not only be helpful to the evaluators of the proposal, but should assist bidders in preparing a thorough response. 4.1 Letter of Submittal The Letter of Submittal, the attached Certifications and Assurances form (Exhibit A to this RFP), and all RFP amendments must be signed and dated by a person authorized to legally bind the bidder to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the proprietor if a sole proprietorship. Along with introductory remarks, the Letter of Submittal is to include by attachment the following information about the bidder and any proposed subcontractors:

1. Name, address, principal place of business, telephone number, and fax number/e-mail address of legal entity or individual with whom contract would be written.

2. Name, address, and telephone number of each principal officer (President, Vice

President, Treasurer, if any).

3. Legal status of the bidder (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) and the year the entity was organized to do business as the entity now substantially exists.

4. Federal Employer Tax Identification number or Social Security number.

5. Location of the facility from which the bidder would operate.

6. Identify any Isabella County employees or former County employees employed or

on the firm’s governing board as of the date of the proposal. Include their position and responsibilities within the bidder’s organization. If following a review of this information, it is determined by the County that a conflict of interest exists, the bidder may be disqualified from further consideration for the award of a contract.

4.2 Work Proposal The Work Proposal must contain a comprehensive description of equipment to be provided and services to be performed in order to meet the work specifications described in Section III.

22

4.3 Experience of the Bidder Indicate relevant experience that indicates the qualifications of the bidder. Relevant experience will include working with public agencies in performing services substantially similar to those listed in the Statement of Work (Section III) of this RFP. 4.4 References List names, addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers/e-mail addresses of three similar project references and briefly describe the type of service provided. The bidder must grant permission to the County to contact the references. Do not include current Isabella County staff as references. References will be contacted for the top-scoring proposal(s) only. 4.5 Related Information

1. If the bidder contracted with Isabella County during the past 24 months, provide a project description and/or other information available to identify the contract.

2. If the bidder’s staff was an employee of Isabella County during the past 24

months, or is currently an Isabella County employee, identify the individual by name, the department previously or currently employed by, job title or position held and separation date.

3. If the bidder has had a contract terminated for default in the last five years,

describe such incident. Termination for default is defined as notice to stop performance due to the bidder’s non-performance or poor performance and the issue of performance was either (a) not litigated due to inaction on the part of the Proposer, or (b) litigated and such litigation determined that the Proposer was in default.

4. Submit full details of the terms for default including the other party’s name,

address, and phone number. Present the bidder’s position on the matter. The County will evaluate the facts and may, at its sole discretion, reject the proposal on the grounds of the past experience. If no such termination for default has been experienced by the bidder in the past five years, so indicate.

4.6 Cost Proposal The evaluation process is designed to award this procurement not necessarily to the bidder of least cost, but rather to the bidder whose proposal best meets the requirements of this RFP. However, bidders are encouraged to submit proposals which are consistent with ongoing efforts to conserve County resources. Identify all costs including expenses to be charged for performing the services necessary to accomplish the objectives of the contract. The bidder is to submit a fully detailed budget including staff costs and any expenses necessary to accomplish the tasks and to produce the deliverables under the contract.

23

EXHIBIT A CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR PROPOSAL

FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS COMPLETED FORM MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION Firm Name: ___________________________________________________________ I/we make the following statement of assurances as a required element of the proposal to which it is attached, understanding that the truthfulness of the facts affirmed here and the continuing compliance with these requirements are conditions precedent to the award or continuation of the related contract(s): 1. The prices and/or data have been determined independently, without consultation, communication, or

agreement with other proposers for the purpose of restricting competition. However, I/we may freely join with other persons or organizations for the purpose of presenting a single proposal or bid.

2. The attached proposal or bid is a firm offer for a period of 60 days following receipt, and it may be accepted by the Isabella County without further negotiation (except where obviously required by lack of certainty in key terms) at any time within the 60-day period.

3. In preparing this proposal or bid, I/we have not been assisted by any current or former employee of

Isabella County whose duties relate (or did relate) to this proposal, bid, or prospective contract, and who was assisting in other than his or her official, public capacity. Neither does such a person nor any member of his or her immediate family have any financial interest in the outcome of proposal bid. (Any exceptions to these assurances are described in full detail on a separate page and attached to this document.)

4. I/we understand that Isabella County will not reimburse me/us for any costs incurred in the preparation of this proposal or bid. All proposals or bids become the property of Isabella County, and I/we claim no proprietary right to the ideas, writings, items, or samples, unless so stated in this proposal.

5. Unless otherwise required by law, the prices and/or cost data which have been submitted have not been

knowingly disclosed by the proposer and will not knowingly be disclosed by him/her prior to opening, in the case of a proposal directly or indirectly to any other proposer or to any competitor.

6. No attempt has been made or will be made by the proposer to induce any other person or firm to

submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. 7. I/we agree that submission of the attached proposal constitutes acceptance of the solicitation contents

and the attached sample contract and general terms and conditions. If there are any exceptions to these terms, I/we have described those exceptions in detail on a page attached to this document.

8. I/we acknowledge communication of any kind regarding my/our proposal directed to parties other than

the Project Administrator may result in my/our disqualification. 9. I/we warrant that no conflict of interest knowingly exists for any member of the project team that

contributed to this proposal or prospective contract. __________________________________ ________________________ Signature Date __________________________________ Title

24

EXHIBIT B CHECKLIST FOR RESPONSIVENESS

____ Proposal was submitted on or before 11:00 a.m. on February 19, 2008 ____ Proposal was signed by the authorized individual. ____ Proposal was formatted into three major sections: letter of submittal, work

proposal and cost proposal. ____ Proposer meets minimum qualifications:

1. Licensed to do business in the State of Michigan. 2. At least five years of experience in the furnishing and installation of sound,

and A/V systems devices comparable to that specified.

3. Contractor must have a programmer on staff. No out-sourcing will be allowed on this project. System must be programmed in office by said system programmer. Provide certificate along with submittals.

4. The sound contractor shall employ competent electronic technicians who are

trained and knowledgeable in the area of Sound Systems. ____ Letter of Submittal and Certifications and Assurances were signed by an

individual authorized to bind the Proposer to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the sole proprietor if a sole proprietorship.

____ Three business references were provided. NOTE: “Yes” answers must be given to each element above for the proposal to be considered responsive.