Guide
How to Write a Structured Cabling RFP
A clear, well-scoped RFP is the difference between three comparable bids and ten that you can't evaluate. Here's what a commercial low-voltage RFP should include so contractors quote the same thing.
1. Define the scope and systems
State exactly which low-voltage systems are in scope — structured cabling (data/voice), wireless/WiFi backbone, access control, video surveillance (CCTV), audio/visual, paging, or fire alarm. Mixing systems without separating them is the #1 cause of non-comparable bids.
2. Specify quantities and the building
Give contractors the numbers they need to price labor and materials:
- •Number of cable drops (and outlets per location)
- •Floor area and number of floors / IDF/MDF closets
- •New construction vs. occupied retrofit (occupied space costs more)
- •Pathways available — conduit, cable tray, open ceiling, plenum vs. non-plenum
- •Approximate cable run lengths or a floor plan
3. Set the cabling standard
Specify the category and standard so everyone bids the same materials: e.g. Category 6 vs. 6A, OM4 vs. single-mode fiber, and compliance with TIA/EIA-568 and BICSI installation practices. Note whether you require a manufacturer warranty (e.g. a 25-year channel warranty), which requires certified installers.
4. Require testing and documentation
State the deliverables: 100% cable certification (e.g. Fluke test reports), labeling per TIA-606, as-built documentation, and a port/patch schedule. This protects you and lets you compare who's including it.
5. Provide commercials and timeline
Include the desired start/completion dates, working-hours constraints (after-hours in occupied buildings), insurance/licensing requirements, and how you want pricing broken out (materials vs. labor, per-drop pricing).
RFP checklist
- Systems in scope (clearly separated)
- Drop count, outlets, floors, closets
- New build vs. occupied retrofit
- Cable category / fiber type + TIA-568 / BICSI compliance
- Manufacturer warranty requirement (if any)
- Testing, certification & labeling deliverables
- As-built documentation requirement
- Timeline, working hours, site access
- Insurance, licensing & references
- Pricing format (per-drop, materials vs. labor)
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