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The firm behind a middle-mile fiber build spanning hundreds of miles in the Midwest is now seeking proposals from vendors for critical elements associated with the project.
A Missouri-based communications infrastructure provider that is embarking on an ambitious project to connect the St. Louis and Tulsa metro areas with fiber is now seeking bids from vendors to complete the engineering design and environmental assessments associated with the project.
Bluebird Network’s fiber build is planned to span 330 miles through Missouri, and 164 miles through Oklahoma, delivering connectivity to underserved communities along the way. The build, which is being supported by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is now ready to accept proposals from vendors to complete the environmental assessment associated with the middle-mile build.
According to a March 13 announcement from the company, the build will have point of presence locations along the corridor of the route and “the potential to grow and strengthen fixed wireless and cellular connectivity, including advancements in new wireless technologies that are supported by fiber.”
The company, which operates more than 11,000 miles of fiber and two data centers across the Midwest, will accept RFP responses until April 4, the firm’s release stated.
“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 company’s recent announcement stated.
John Nolan, Bluebird Network’s chief development officer, explained the importance of the network build in comments included with Bluebird Network’s release.
“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,” he said.
Nolan also said the projects would “increase competition, reduce costs and spur the rapid deployment of last-mile services in rural areas.”
Vendors can learn more about Bluebird Network’s RFP here, at Bluebird Network’s website.
