Cabling RFQ's / RFP's 1

[dabble]

I have been told I will need to start getting multiple quotes from different cabling contractors instead of using my usual guy. I have actually followed him when he changed companies since he is fantastic - certified, through, caring about a job well done, neat and a good guy all round. But the current company he works for is a bit pricey.

So, I was wondering if any of you have written up either a request for quotation or a request for proposal recently on cabling that you would be willing to share?

We typically used Systimax structured cabling solutions with the panduit racks and panels.

Thanks all.

 

[dhnl]

BICSI has an example at

http://www.bicsi.org

 

[oldtimerbob]

Have to spoken to your person about the costs?

To keep you as a client, the new company he is with may give you an exception to their present rate.

IF not then you have to weigh the good job he does ( and the fact he knows your site set-up etc ) against someone new that may be cheaper but has a 'learning curve' for you site.

NOTE:
You may also want to consider putting a 'Systemex' certified tech requirement in your RFP, in order to make it an even playing field. (that will assist in keeping the 'low ballers' away).

Good Luck,
Bob

Has been in the cabling business for about twenty years and is now the Sr PM for a cabling company located in the Los Angeles area.

http://www.globusinc.net

Also a General Class Amatuer Radio Operator.

 

[buitenhek]

I market a cabling bidding software package (Cablepro) that gives you a general price, profit and material list that I will run for you free of charge to get a general price plateau.

However, a really good cabling guy is "money in the bank" and worth fighting for.

My response was always:
"We buy the best servers, routers, software and switches, why do we want to chintz on 2% of this overall cost by getting the lowest price cabling install that hooks all this stuff together?"

Regards
Peter Buitenhek
ProfitDeveloper.com

 

[dabble]

Thanks to all for responding. I knew we should have hired him a couple of years ago!

 

[mikeydidit]

It sounds like you are heading where I am at now. Taking low bid. Like the old saying goes" you get what you pay for" still holds true today. A lot of people out there will bid on cabling jobs but only a few will be able to do a "good job."

I have to take the low bidders, complain that they leave shotty jobs, and then I have to straighten it out. At least they then get taken off the list. I put together something for us that have helped a lot. I put together a technical wiring specifications document for our campus. This has whatever parts I use, (Racks, jacks, patch panels) then the minimum test results, printed jackets on cable you name it.

It has weeded out a lot of the "Billy Bob's Barbeque /Network cabling" companies from even submitting a bid. They know they are in over their head from the get go so they don't try to BS their way through it. This helps a lot. Let me know if you decide to put something like this into place. We can help.


Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.
Thomas A. Edison

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594

 

[PhoneGuy2000]

You may want to find out why they started putting in Systemax wire with the Panduit hardware. Panduit offers extedned warranties for cabling jobs that are done to their specifications by approved vendors, but they dont support Systemax wire. Systemax was bought a few years back by Commscope. Their cable is much better. THey changed the branding on their wire to Uniprise. Almost all the Jack and panel manufacturers work with most cable vendors, but noone partners with Systemax as their cable is minimum compliant and they dont want to deal with issues trying to get a minimum compliant cable to certify with their stuff.
My hardware preferences are Panduit & Leviton, I like Siemon and Uniprise also but have not integrated them into everyday. On the cable, Uniprise, Superior Essex, Belden are all good bets

Just my thoughts. Not meant to upset anyone. I know there are some hardcore Systemax guys out there that swear by their products. More power to ya...

Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way!