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 requires the design of a fiber expansion originating at the Stearns County Public Works Highway Building in Waite Park, continuing along 28th Avenue South and County Road 137, including tie-ins at the Stearns County Parks Office, and terminating at an existing handhole at 17th Avenue South. Key deliverables include detailed construction plans, bidding specifications for conduit, fiber, handholes, splice cases, and panels, an engineer's estimate at the 60 percent completion stage, and final as-built drawings. The project goal is to provide bidding documents in a timely manner to facilitate installation 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. Award recommendations will be based on a 100-point scale evaluating the best value for the County. The selected consultant must maintain professional liability insurance for three years following final acceptance and adhere to strict confidentiality and non-discrimination standards. Payment will be made through monthly progress invoices with a 35-day payment term, subject to the availability and appropriation of funds and governed by Minnesota Statute 471.425.