H960--RFI - Fiber Optic Cable Purchase and Installation

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To replace damaged fiber optic cable and install new fiber optic cable between Building B-100 (Main Hospital) and Building 108 VA Police at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. This involves a total of 4 fiber runs.

• Fiber Run #1: Install new single mode fiber from Building 100 (6th floor) to Building 108 IT closet for an upgraded radio system. Includes Armor Jacketed Single Mode 12 Strand Direct Burial Cable OSP, wall-mounted rack and shelf, 12-port patch panel, fiber enclosure, and all necessary connections. Estimated length: 2300 ft (contractor to verify). Cable pathway detailed.

• Fiber Run #2: Install new single mode fiber from Building 100 (basement IDF room) to Building 108 IT closet for VA Police support (license plate reader). Includes Armor Jacketed Single Mode 12 Strand Direct Burial Cable OSP, wall-mounted rack and shelf, 12-port patch panel, fiber enclosure, and all necessary connections. Estimated length: 2100 ft (contractor to verify). Cable pathway detailed.

• Fiber Run #3: Install new single mode fiber from Building 100 (basement IDF room) to Building 108 IT room for BAS replacement. Includes Armor Jacketed Single Mode 12 Strand Direct Burial Cable OSP, wall-mounted rack and shelf, 12-port patch panel, fiber enclosure, and all necessary connections. Estimated length: 2100 ft (contractor to verify). Cable pathway detailed.

• Fiber Run #4: Install new multi-mode fiber from Building 100 (basement IDF room) to Building 108 IT room for BAS replacement. Includes Armor Jacketed Multi Mode 12 Strand Direct Burial Cable OM4, wall-mounted rack and shelf, 12-port patch panel, fiber enclosure, and all necessary connections. Estimated length: 2100 ft (contractor to verify). Cable pathway detailed.

• All fiber runs to be terminated, labeled, and tested.

• Work to be accomplished within sixty (60) calendar days from contract award.

• Contractor to provide Permit Required Confined Space program for review.

• All new materials and components to be tested by the contractor.

• Damage caused by the contractor must be repaired at their expense.

• All installed items must be new and meet current local, state, and national codes.

• Provide manufacturer's warranty information.

• Contractor Qualifications: Minimum 5 years of experience in this type of installation.

• Work site: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX (main campus).

• Completion: Within 60 calendar days after contract award.

• Phasing: Normal medical center operations must be maintained.

• Government Furnished Property/Services: Utilities (electricity, water), limited storage space, toilet/washroom access, use of VA Canteen for breaks/lunches.

• Parking: Restricted; only in authorized areas. On-site parking adjacent to parking garage. Loading/unloading at work site permitted.

• Debris Removal: Contractor responsible for daily and project completion debris removal off-site, following regulations.

• Project Safety: Comply with OSHA requirements; report accidents/damage.

• Security: Contractor personnel require VA-issued short-term identification badges, obtained with valid government photo ID. Personnel subject to inspection.

• Warranty: One-year labor and materials warranty from date of project completion.

• Submittals: Permit Required Confined Space program, material submittals (electronic .pdf format) for VA approval.

• Performance Assessment: 100% surveillance inspection by COR; unsatisfactory results require re-performance at no cost.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information (RFI)

This notice is a Sources Sought Request for Information (RFI) only, not a Request for Quote, Proposal, or Bid. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas, is seeking information to identify potential sources for Fiber Optic Cable Supply Purchase and Installation Services. The goal is to assist the VA in defining the procurement strategy, including potential set-aside, sole source, or unrestricted options for a future solicitation.

The RFI outlines specific items and labor required for fiber optic cable installation, including:

• Fiber runs (single-mode and multi-mode) with specified lengths (e.g., 2100') and types (e.g., 12 Strand OSP Distribution 50M MM OM4).

• Materials such as fan-out kits, adapter panels, fiber connectors, and caddy cable supports.

• Labor for underground installation and fiber technician terminations, labeling, and testing.

• Specific equipment like wall mount rack/rack shelves and fiber enclosures.

• The anticipated contract type is a Single Award, Firm Fixed Price.

• The government intends to enter into a contract with a base period for supplies and services to be concluded within 60 days ARO.

• Responses are due by 1:00 PM Central Time on 03-31-2026.

• Responses should be in Microsoft Word format, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, 8.5 x 11 inches.

• The subject line must reference the RFI number (36C25626Q0559).

• Vendors are requested to submit estimated market research pricing.

• The VA is requesting specific information regarding contractor capabilities, small business status, support capabilities, projected unit costs, and experience with similar projects.

• The NAICS code is 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors) with a size standard of $19.0 million.

• Small Business concerns are encouraged to respond.

• The VA does not accept grey market items; vendors must attach an Authorized Distribution Letter from the OEM.

• This is a market research effort; no solicitation exists at this time.

• Information provided will be used solely by MEDVAMC for market research and will not be released externally.

• A Draft PWS for VA Fiber Optic Supply Services is referenced as an attached document.