Submitted By: Lourdes Ramos
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Presentation By: Mel Poole
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Department: Ocala Fiber Network
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FORMAL TITLE:
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Additional expenditure under the agreement for Fiber Optic Cable Construction, Maintenance and Emergency Repairs from Gulf Coast Custom Cables, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub
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PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Ocala Fiber Network (OFN) received authorization to utilize the City of Lakeland’s competitively awarded contract with Gulf Coast Custom Cables under RFP No. 2024-ITB-273 for fiber optic cable construction, maintenance, and emergency repairs. The City of Lakeland publicly issued the solicitation in August 2024, and Gulf Coast Custom Cables has agreed to extend pricing, terms, and conditions to the City of Ocala through a piggyback arrangement. The underlying agreement is valid through September 30, 2027. Both staff and the procurement department reviewed the pricing and found it fair and reasonable. Contract No. OFN/260980 between OFN and Gulf Coast Cable Solutions was fully executed by both parties on August 28, 2026, for an amount of $50,000.
This request for additional funding of $3,000,000 will primarily support fiber infrastructure associated with new construction and network expansion projects as part of OFN’s ongoing system growth initiatives. This additional capacity will ensure OFN can continue to meet the increasing demand for fiber services in developing residential and commercial areas while maintaining operational flexibility.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
This funding request will support the continued expansion of highcapacity fiber throughout the community and ensure the network is positioned to accommodate future growth. These efforts are critical to meet the increasing demand from residential and commercial customers while improving overall network reliability and redundancy.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This r...
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