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Merit Network Selects TurnKey Network Solutions to Perform Outside Plant Engineering for REACH-3MC

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June 15, 2010

ANN ARBOR, MI – Merit Network, Inc. has selected TurnKey Network Solutions to perform outside plant (OSP) engineering for Merit’s Round I Broadband Stimulus Project, REACH-3MC. TurnKey was chosen from a number of qualified organizations that responded to a Request for Proposal (RFP) Merit issued in early April.

Merit evaluated each proposal submitted with the assistance of several REACH-3MC sub-recipients. REACH-3MC sub-recipients are commercial partners who participated in the application process and will own strands in the REACH-3MC shared infrastructure. While there were several strong proposals, the team’s thorough review of all RFPs showed that TurnKey could best deliver a viable engineering solution in support of the REACH-3MC project.

“TurnKey’s primary focus as an organization has always been on fiber optics and outside plant engineering,” said Pete Miller, director of network operations for Merit. “They have extensive experience coordinating with power companies, municipalities, railroads and other rights-of-way issues in Michigan. They also provide every service necessary to design, install, and document new aerial and underground cable installations.”

“Merit has employed the services of TurnKey for fiber construction and outside plant engineering in the past,” said Merit’s Vice President of Network Operations, Bob Stovall. “They are a Michigan-based company that has established a good reputation in the Midwest. Their familiarity with Merit and with the REACH-3MC service area made TurnKey an ideal candidate for the engineering RFP.”

The Merit evaluation team made their selection based on the following criteria: understanding the scope of work; proposed methodology; adherence to timeline and availability of staff; past work of a similar nature; quality of staff assigned to the project; proposed cost; and company profile.

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 TurnKey

TurnKey Network Solutions is a privately held telecommunications contractor based in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on providing a complete solution to our customers telecom infrastructure needs. TurnKey offers a complete line of services ranging from outside plant (OSP) engineering, construction, and maintenance to Central Office (CO) design, installation and equipment test/turn up with their Network Services team. Turnkey is also a Premier Certified distributor of the full range of Cisco electronics with a focus on optical transmission products.

For More information: www.tkns.net

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