(Research Triangle Park, N.C.) MCNC, an independent non-profit organization that employs advanced networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina’s K-20 education community, today announced the organization is accepting Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction and Splicing of the Fiber Optic Middle-Mile Project related to the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) Southeastern and Western N.C. Fiber Expansion Project.

MCNC is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to construct a new fiber cable network to connect universities, community colleges, schools, libraries, and county offices to a statewide fiber optic network. The project was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

The project is divided into segments. Respondents may submit proposals for one or more segments by 5 p.m. eastern on Aug. 20. Some segments will have build priorities higher (with completion required sooner) than other segments, and each segment of the project may be awarded separately. All construction must be completed by June 30, 2012 to allow MCNC to equip and place the fiber into service on or before Dec. 31, 2012.

Interested parties can register to view the RFP, Construction Agreement, and the Baseline Route Maps by clicking here. A question/answer page has been established on MCNC’s website and is available by clicking here. All inquiries related to this RFP must be directed in writing via email to btop-notices-const@mcnc.org. All questions will be considered to be public and released with appropriate answers within 48 business hours of receipt. Submission deadline for questions is 4 p.m. eastern on Aug. 16.  No late questions or proposals will be accepted.

MCNC was awarded $28.2 million through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) in January to fund the engineering and construction of approximately 500 miles of new fiber to expand the optical footprint of NCREN. MCNC’s funded proposal currently traverses 37 counties in Southeastern and Western North Carolina.

The MCNC award is a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment and eNC, the state’s rural broadband authority, to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. MCNC raised $11.7 million in matching funds for its successful application through private sources, including $4 million from the MCNC endowment, making the total project a $40 million investment in North Carolina’s broadband infrastructure. Once complete, NCREN has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families.

MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications that improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina’s K-20 education community. MCNC, through its management of NCREN and its predecessor networks, has serviced the advanced networking technology needs of the University of North Carolina General Administration institutions and other higher education clients for the past 20 years. Please visit www.mcnc.org for more.

The North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) is one of the nation’s first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. It creates possibility and provides an equitable educational experience throughout the state.