February 22, 2011
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Merit Network, Inc. has selected Power & Tel as materials supplier for Merit’s Round 1 broadband stimulus project, REACH-3MC. Power & Tel was selected from a number of qualified suppliers that responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) that Merit issued in July of 2010.
While there were several strong proposals, Merit’s team thoroughly reviewed all RFPs and determined that Power & Tel could deliver the most competitive solution for the material needs of their Round 1 REACH-3MC project, which will build 1,017 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Among the components that make up the material needs of the REACH-3MC project are splice enclosures, hand holes, strand, and lashing wire.
“Power & Tel’s proposal was the most complete and cost-competitive of any solution that we received,” said Pete Miller, Merit’s director of network engineering and operations. “Power & Tel offers a wide range of product offerings to meet the needs of the REACH-3MC project.”
“The Power & Tel tracking process will allow Merit to access information about our materials in real time,” he said. “We are also very confident that Power & Tel’s kitting process will help to ensure project construction will not be unnecessarily delayed due to a lapse in materials delivery.”
Through Power & Tel’s “Bluelink” ordering and PTMI (Power & Tel Managed Inventory) tracking application, Merit engineers and project managers will have access to real time order status and materials consumption information.
Additionally, Power & Tel offers a “Miracle Mile” and kitting service. Through this service, Power & Tel will work with Merit to ensure all the necessary construction hardware is kitted and shipped to the most appropriate build location in the state.
About Merit Network
Merit Network Inc., is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its formation, Merit Network has remained at the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides high-performance networking and IT solutions to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations.
For more information: www.merit.edu
About REACH-3MC
The REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative (REACH-3MC) will build 2,287 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The network will also provide backhaul to key connection points in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Led by Merit Network, Michigan’s research and education network, REACH-3MC includes sub-recipients from the private sector to make broadband readily available to households and businesses that lack adequate service options in the 52 counties that make up the project service area. REACH-3MC is funded by a two grants (Round I and Round II) from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly referenced as the Stimulus Package.
About Power & Tel
Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, Power & Telephone Supply Company (Power & Tel) is an industry leader in the procurement, sales, material management and distribution of product solutions to the worldwide telecommunications marketplace. Power & Tel was founded in 1963 by Miller Pentecost. The company is still family based as our founder’s son, Jim Pentecost, became President and CEO in 1985 and remains in that position today. Power & Tel’s complete focus is on providing customers with the products and services you need to make your business successful. Power & Tel’s mission is to be your most cost-effective way to have the right material at the right place at the right time, every time.
For more information: www.ptsupply.com
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