New Germany Communications Tower

The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) is soliciting proposals under Solicitation Number BPM054089 for the design, construction, and installation of a new 330-foot self-supporting communications tower and associated site improvements at New Germany State Park in Garrett County, Maryland. This project is structured as a firm-fixed-price task order under the CATS+ master contractor vehicle (FA 13) with an estimated performance period of 120 working days following Notice to Proceed. The scope encompasses two key phases: Phase 1 involves comprehensive design, permitting, environmental assessments, and preparation of construction drawings and schedules, while Phase 2 covers site clearing, foundation installation, tower and shelter erection, equipment delivery, grounding, lighting, generator setup, and final closeout procedures including as-built documentation and third-party inspections. The work must comply with Maryland SHA construction standards (July 2024), Motorola R56 grounding and bonding specifications, AASHTO soil compaction requirements, and applicable environmental regulations including FAA filings and Maryland Department of Environment permits. Critical technical documentation supports the contract, including a detailed Subsurface Exploration Report that informs foundation design with soil and rock testing data, typical tower and shelter layout drawings, antenna loading plans specifying frequencies and placement on the tower, and an extensive construction schedule outlining required phases and completion timelines. Contractors must submit a binding construction schedule and comply with rigorous quality assurance and inspection protocols such as foundation inspections, electrical code adherence, tower lighting endurance tests, and grounding resistance measurements. Final acceptance depends on successful third-party and state inspections following ASTM, NEC, and MD SHA standards, with requirements to correct any deficiencies before final sign-off. Proposal evaluation will prioritize technical merit—covering Phase 1 and Phase 2 approaches, safety policies, delivery plans, and contractor qualifications—over price, with awards made based on a trade-off analysis rather than lowest price alone. The solicitation mandates submission of separate technical and financial proposals by January 7, 2026, with strict packaging, labeling, and document formatting instructions, and includes requirements for conflict of interest disclosures as part of the procurement process. No federal funding is involved, and no definitive contract value estimate is provided in the solicitation materials. The project’s successful execution will significantly enhance emergency communication infrastructure in the region, meeting state environmental and safety standards while delivering a technically complex installation under a well-defined regulatory framework.