DEPARTMENT: Facilities Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Award Bid And Execute Contract With MP Nexlevel, LLC For Lower Spring Lake Park Fiber Optic Installation
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Central Operations Director to execute a contract with MP Nexlevel, LLC to build a fiber optic segment for the Lower Spring Lake Park segment between 13690 Pine Bend Trail to Dakota County 1590 Hwy 55, Hastings, MN.
SUMMARY
The IT Data Networks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes the County’s strategic development of broadband infrastructure to connect County buildings to a high-speed data network and to connect the County to other institutional or commercial networks. The installation of new fiber lines, and the cooperative use of existing lines, is a key component to increasing connectivity in the County.
The needs for high-speed network connectivity to the lower Spring Lake Park area include cameras, remote door controls, internet connectivity, and life-safety systems for the bison area, the current Spring Lake Park Retreat Center, and the potential future Fischer Avenue Trailhead, along with additional future connectivity needs in the park.
Design documents were prepared by the LOGIS engineering team in consultation with staff. Dakota County advertised a Request for Bids on January 27, 2025, to construct the Lower Spring Lake Park 13690 Pine Bend Trail to Dakota County 1590 Hwy 55, Hastings segment. On February 14, 2025, seven qualified bids were received as follows:
Contractor Base Bid
MP Nexlevel, LLC $149,420.20
Castrejon $159,200.00
Comlink Solutions $161,698.50
TD&I $194,110.31
L&L Underground $208,015.50
Kramer Services $238,483.00
Miller Utilities $280,740.00
Staff and the project engineer have reviewed the bids and determined that MP Nexlevel, LLC has submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid of $149,420.20.
Michels Underground Cable, Inc. (Michels) submitted a bid of $148,017.63 that did not conform with the bid requirements because of the following material variances with the bid specifications:
1. The specifications required bids be valid for 60-days, but Michels reserved the right to adjust its prices if the bid was not accepted within 30-days; and
2. Michels bid incorporated changes to the County contract general conditions altering the provisions for payment of subcontractors and removed the required payment and performance bond.
For these reasons, the Michels’ bid is non-responsive to the bid requirements and cannot be considered under Minnesota bidding law.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends award to MP Nexlevel, LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $149,420.20.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Data Networks CIP includes sufficient budget to support issuance of this contract.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the Lower Spring Lake Park 13690 Pine Bend Trail to Dakota County 1590 Hwy 55, Hastings fiber optic segment was included in the Information Technology (IT) Data Networks Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and
WHEREAS, the needs for high-speed network connectivity to the lower Spring Lake Park area include cameras, remote door controls, internet connectivity, and life-safety systems for the bison area, the current Spring Lake Park Retreat Center, and the potential future Fischer Avenue Trailhead, along with additional future connectivity needs in the park; and
WHEREAS, design documents for the project were prepared by IT staff and the LOGIS project engineer; and
WHEREAS, the County advertised for competitive bids for the construction of the segment; and
WHEREAS, eight bids from qualified contractors were received on February 14, 2025; and
WHEREAS, County staff and the project engineer from LOGIS have reviewed the bids and determined that MP Nexlevel, LLC has submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid of $149,420.20; and
WHEREAS, Michels Underground Cable, Inc. (Michels) submitted a bid of $148,017.63 that did not conform with the bid requirements because of the following material variances with the bid specifications:
1. The specifications required bids be valid for 60-days, but Michels reserved the right to adjust its prices if the bid was not accepted within 30-days; and
2. Michels’ bid incorporated changes to the County contract general conditions altering the provisions for payment of subcontractors and removed the required payment and performance bonds.
; and
WHEREAS, for these reasons, the Michels’ bid is non-responsive to the bid requirements and must be rejected under Minnesota bidding law; and
WHEREAS, funds are available within the adopted 2025 IT Data Networks CIP budget for this project in the amount of $149,420.20 for the contract with MP Nexlevel, LLC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby determines that MP Nexlevel, LLC is the lowest responsible bidder and authorizes the Central Operations Director to execute a contract with MP Nexlevel, LLC, 500 County Rd East, Maple Lake, MN 55358, for the Lower Spring Lake Park 13690 Pine Bend Trail to Dakota County 1590 Hwy 55, Hastings fiber optic segment in an amount not to exceed $149,420.20, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s office as to form.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Mike Lexvold
Author: Mike Lexvold