Excelsior Broadband Network (EBN) Fiber Construction Services & Network Maintenance Segment: NYC - Albany, ITB

Empire State Development is soliciting bids for the Excelsior Broadband Network (EBN) Fiber Construction Services and Network Maintenance segment, covering approximately 172.6 route miles from New York City to Albany. The project involves the installation of roughly 196.55 miles of 864 and 1728-count all dielectric fiber optic cable across the New York State Thruway, Garden State Parkway, Cross Westchester Expressway, and the Berkshire Spur. The scope is divided into three phases: Phase 1 focuses on inspection and proofing services within 90 days of execution; Phase 2 covers fiber construction services within 240 days; and Phase 3 provides ongoing network maintenance for the duration of the contract. The procurement includes strict socioeconomic goals, with a 30 percent overall MWBE goal split equally between MBE and WBE, and a 6 percent goal for SDVOB. Bidders must submit a two-part bid consisting of a technical submission and an administrative submission by November 13, 2026. Mandatory requirements for qualification include a 50,000 dollar bid bond, registration in the Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry Dashboard, and the submission of an SDVOB Utilization Plan. Award selection is based on technical experience, a dedicated staffing plan, a realistic deployment schedule, and fully loaded unit pricing. Contractors are required to provide 100 percent performance and payment bonds before work commences and must adhere to prevailing wage requirements. Technical specifications mandate strict labeling and packaging standards according to ANSI/TIA-606-B, including detailed footage markings at manholes and handholes. All work is subject to inspection and final acceptance by ConnectALL and other jurisdictional authorities. Subcontracting requires prior written approval from the State Project Manager, and contractors must maintain good standing with the New York State Thruway Authority.