Engineering Services for Fiber Expansion

The County of Stearns is soliciting proposals from qualified engineering consultants for Project 26-53, which involves developing construction plans and bidding specifications for a fiber installation project in Minnesota. The scope of work includes the design and installation of conduit, fiber, handholes, splice cases, and panels. The fiber route originates at the Stearns County Public Works Highway Building in Waite Park, continues along 28th Avenue South and County Road 137, includes tie-ins at the Stearns County Parks Office, and terminates at a handhole on 17th Avenue South. Key deliverables include detailed construction plans, bidding specifications, an engineer's estimate at the 60 percent completion stage, and final as-built drawings. The objective is to provide documentation in a timely manner to allow for installation to occur in 2027. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Bids and Tenders system by 11:00 AM on October 13, 2026, and must include separate technical and cost proposals, including a total not-to-exceed amount and a detailed time and cost spreadsheet. The County will award the contract based on the best value, evaluating proposals on a 100-point scale. Selected consultants must maintain professional liability insurance for three years following final acceptance and adhere to strict confidentiality and non-discrimination standards. Payment will be made via monthly progress invoices, with a 35-day payment term from the date of receipt, subject to the availability and appropriation of funds.