Dark Fiber Leased Telecommunications Service or Ethernet Service at Selected Locations Throughout the State of Iowa

The State of Iowa, through the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ICN), is seeking bid proposals for leased telecommunications services, specifically Single Mode Dark Fiber Optic and Ethernet services, to be delivered via fiber from designated end-point locations to ICN Connection Point of Presence (CPOP) sites across Iowa. The procurement aims to identify vendors offering the lowest cost service at each specified location, with contracts to be awarded accordingly. The solicitation, identified as ITB 25-028, was posted on October 3, 2025, with a response deadline of November 24, 2025. The process involves detailed technical, contractual, and compliance criteria, and vendors are required to submit complete proposals adhering to strict formatting and submission guidelines, including responses to potential questions by November 3, 2025. The contract size is estimated to range between five and fifteen million dollars, and the award will be made based on the lowest bid per location. Supporting documents include evaluations of potential dark fiber site locations, primarily serving educational institutions and community colleges, with detailed site addresses and monthly pricing options for different contract durations (6, 10, and 20 years). These internal evaluation spreadsheets assist in assessing connectivity options and pricing structures for network deployment. The overall procurement emphasizes transparency, compliance with legal and technical specifications, and competitive pricing, aiming to enhance Iowa’s telecommunications infrastructure through cost-effective fiber optic services across multiple locations statewide. The primary point of contact for inquiries is Sheri Stephens, reachable via email or phone.